The Separate Paths We Take

by ZangetsuOldMan

In the history of the Devil Civil War, one nameless rogue will rise to infamy against the devils he hates so much. Along the way he will encounter heartache, lose and even a bond that would last long after he would fade into the pages of history. Here is the history of Rowland Moechor, the man who would call the Sitri heiress his partner. the only true friend he ever knew.

3. Chapter 3

Okay, so I think that the last chapter we got off to a rocky start. I know that it isn't as great as I want it to be and ergo why characters will act a little funky. Also, as some of you probably noticed I had changed a few tags on the story so I am sure you can guess where this is eventually going to end up. However, never take anything for certain in this story as things are not always what they seem.

If you have any questions, please be sure to PM me. I am also looking for a potential beta/person to bounce ideas off. This story has really inspired me lately and I want to see where exactly this rabbit hole takes me. Now without further ado, here we go!

Rowland II

Rowland sighed as he finally got the chance to breathe for a second. Tonight, had been one of the roughest nights he had had in a while. The room packed to the brim, devils needing another drink every few seconds. It had been utter chaos. He sighed as he sank down into his seat, thinking about the idea of hiring some help.

I'm just thankful that Rizamor was able to come through for me. He thought, a smile lightly showing on his face. He could always count on the kid to come through for him. Hell, he didn't even know that the urchin knew how to work in a kitchen. I won't be shocked if he worked as an attendant at one of the other inns as a child, though I am hoping that nothing bad had happened to him.

There was a reason why he didn't like to work with the other innkeepers even though they could be potential assets. They were the bunch that he knew for certain had been working with the Eligos throughout the years. While nothing too major, such as helping with their magic or running drugs, they were just as guilty of other crimes. One had to wonder where exactly the Eligos were able to get a lot of the corpses that they used in their experiments.

Rowland shuddered a bit as he thought of the implications such an act would imply. No one around here would question if a few travelers went missing. They knew to keep their heads down and their mouths shut. In exchange, the innkeepers were able to have a fresh supply of their favorite dish. He had heard that the owner of the Dead Hag had a particular taste for young girls. He would make sure that he paid the same way that the rest of his filth did.

"Well, that went better than expected." The nobleman, Serafall, said. She sighed a bit more relaxingly than he did. Rowland turned to her, a raised eyebrow at her.

She was also an anomaly. What was one of the higher-class devils doing in a place like this? No doubt worried about their war. He thought, humming a bit as he turned back to the small glass that he was nursing.

"I have to say, working at a bar is a lot more demanding than you would think." She continued, trailing off as she smiled at him. "I think that a helper should be given a little reward don't you think?" She asked her grin widening as she leaned a bit forward, her face mere inches away from his own.

"Well, what do you want?" Rowland asked, giving Serafall a questioning look. He looked completely at ease with how close the Sitri was, sipping a bit from his drink as he stared at her. "I remember you having a few questions that you wanted answers. I also think that a few coins would be adequate payment for your services. If that pleases you my lady?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he watched Serafall's smile turn into a pout.

He won't admit it to her, but she looked kind of cute with her cheeks puffed out and her eyes narrowed a bit at him.

"Well, first off you can drop the 'My Lady' stuff." She stated, waving off the man's comment. "You can call me Serafall, or even better Sera! All my friends do after all!" Her eyes lit up at the idea, nodding vigorously to show just how enthusiastic she was at it.

"Friends?" The rogue replied, feigning confusion. "I wasn't under the presumption that we were friends suddenly. For all intents and purposes, we are still complete strangers to one another. What gave you the idea that we were friends?" He asked, smirking a bit behind his glass at the glare the heiress was giving him.

"Ah, don't you know Rowl?" Serafall asked, leaning forward a bit more as she poked him lightly on the nose. "Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet!" She exclaimed, her eyes showing great delight at her words, as if she had discovered some hidden truth that had evaded the populace for eons, and she had decided to share it with the world. Or more precisely, share it with him.

Rowland waved the handout of his face, getting the devil to giggle to herself at his reaction. "Rowl? How did you come up with that name?" He asked, a little annoyed. He was proud of his name thank you very much. His teacher had been the one to give it to him after his mother had passed. To hear it be sullied, even indirectly, was not something that he was too happy about.

"Well, it is kind of in the name." She explained, still smiling at the response he was giving. "Besides, I think that Rowl sounds a lot more interesting than Rowland. Like you are some kind of wandering stranger, always on the move with nothing but a scowl to ward people off." She continued, her eyes twinkling at the suggestion.

"Well, be that as it may, I think that I much like my name thank you very much." Rowland replied, waving off the noble. "Besides, I believe that you had something important that you wanted to know. Isn't that right?" He asked, bringing his glass up for another drink.

Serafall looked up in thought at that. "That is correct Rowl, thank you for reminding me!" She exclaimed, beaming him a smile. He won't admit it, but the girl looked quite innocent like that. "We are currently here on important business so finding out where we need to go is essential. I hope that this whole business can be resolved easily."

"Well, what business would that be?" The bartender asked, looking interested in the turn the conversation took. He sat straighter as he leaned forward as his face grew more serious. "Again, I know just about everyone and everything that goes on in this city. If you need help, then all you have to do is ask. I'll even waive the usual fee I have for the information."

"What kind of fee would that be Mister Moechor?" A voice called out from behind the counter. The two looked up to see Kazgath stepped out from the kitchen, Rizamor following behind.

The look that the butler was shooting Rowland would have made a normal man quite fearful. However, he was no ordinary man. One did not run one of the most successful vigilante strikes against one of the Seventy-Two Pillars without have guts. Secondly, it was quite hard to be afraid of the devil when he was wearing one of his old stained aprons.

"Well, I do have to run a business in order to keep this place afloat." Rowland admitted, not shirking under the Kazgath's gaze. "As you can tell, with what little help I have that operating like just another ordinary inn would not work."

"Yes, I believe that having your customers work for you would not make you a very successful innkeeper." Kazgath replied, his voice blank as he continued to give the human a stern look. "I think most would have issue with that."

Rowland was about to shoot back a reply to the man. It wasn't his idea for the two to simply decide to work at the inn. He had a reputation to keep up after all. Imagine what the other innkeepers would think if they heard about that? He thought, holding back a scowl as the scenario ran through his head. However, it appeared that Serafall had beat him to the punch.

"Hey Kaz, that isn't his fault!" The heiress said, giving Kazgath a pleading look. "I was the one that decided that! If anyone should be blamed, it should be me!"

Kazgath's snapped to his mistress, wavering a bit before the look finally dissipated. He looked back to Rowland, sighing as he did so. "Be that as it may Mister Moechor, forgive me for my behavior. I just find it a bit shocking that you run an establishment with only you and a young boy."

"Hey old man, I'm sixteen!" Rizamor exclaimed, looking taken back at the comment. "Besides, Boss is the one that needed the help. You'll find that he's one of the only good guys here in Nokkzaruz. If anyone can help you guys out, then it'll be him. So, show a little respect alright?"

The butler looked back at the urchin, sizing the boy up and down before giving a small nod. "Alright then," He started, turning back towards Rowland. He took a seat down next to his mistress, his face sliding back into the blank mask it was before. "Then if you do not mind me asking, what exactly is it that you do here Mister Moechor? Officially and otherwise."

"Well, as you pointed out," The innkeeper started, nodding at the man's question. "My only job here is that I run the Ebony Dagger. Officially as you pointed out. Unofficially, I am probably one of the best information brokers in the city. The only one that can claim to be better than me is that old fox that runs the Masami shrine."

Serafall looked a bit shocked at the information. No doubt she figured he was just some no name low class human that ran an inn. Good, that's the image that I want to portray to people. He thought, silently chuckling at the look.

"That makes a good bit of sense." Kazgath grunted, not fazed by the revelation. "Innkeepers and wagon drivers are the most likely to meet a large variety of people. They don't pay you much mind and people no doubt are not paying attention to the man who pours your drinks. You hear their dirty little secrets when the alcohol loosens the tongue and turn it for a profit."

"You don't seem shocked by that revelation Kazgath." Rowland noted, not at all ashamed. "Don't you upper class devils look down on those that break your precious laws?"

"Perhaps." The butler replied, clasping his hands together as he placed them on the table. "However, that will not keep you from breaking them so what is the point? Besides, I know that it must be hard having to survive in a place like this. Crime is no doubt rampant, especially with the Eligos ruling from the shadows."

"What do you mean Kaz?" Serafall asked, turning back to the butler. "Aren't the Eligos the crime family? Won't people be willing to work for them? The people should be protected if they do what they're supposed to. Such underhanded tactics shouldn't be necessary. It's the sworn duty of the nobility to protect their charges!"

"I don't know what world you are currently living in Miss Sitri." The rogue replied, shaking his head at her reply. "The Eligos are many things but good to the people? No, the only thing they see the people as are walking meat suits that will serve them in both life and in death. That's just the way that Nokkzaruz works love."

Serafall gave him a look at his words but Rowland simply shook his head at her. "Trust me Lady Sitri, that kind of thinking just isn't in touch with this city. Maybe where you come from its better and things are okay. But if the Underworld follows that logic everywhere, we wouldn't be in this civil war."

Serafall looked angered by his words, her eyes looking as if they wanted to stab him for such a statement. She tried to stand to her feet, no doubt to give him a piece of her mind. As she did so Kazgath put a hand on her shoulder and eased her back into her seat.

"I understand the point that you are trying to make Mister Moechor." Kazgath replied, giving his charge a look before turning his attention back to Rowland. "However, I fear that we are getting a bit off topic. Lady Serafall and I are representatives of the Anti-Satan Faction. We were hoping that we could have an audience with the Eligos family to win their favor and have them join us. Do you know any who could be able to help us?"

Rowland looked between the two devils, sizing them up for a second. The butler seemed to be quite down to earth. He was quite levelled headed throughout the whole experience. If he didn't know any better, he probably would have said that Kazgath had been exposed to this kind of life before. That would explain how well he has been able to get along throughout this whole experience.

He then turned to the Sitri heiress. She still seemed a little upset at his words as she gave him a brief glare, huffing a bit as she turned her head to the side, so she didn't have to look at him. She was extremely childish and, dare he say it, innocent. She no doubt lived a sheltered life and thus would be lost without someone like Kazgath to walk her through such a dangerous place. While many could find the woman's antics charming, he just saw them as being born of ignorance and the blindness of the upper class.

She probably just sees me as some stupid lower classmen. The rogue thought, sipping a bit more of his warm mead. He sat it down once he was done with it. He opened his mouth, a quick suggestion as to where to go on his lips. However, he was beat to the punch as his 'assistant' chimed in.

"I'm sorry to say milord, but that just ain't going to happen." Rizamor said, giving the two a quick grin.

"What do you mean young man?" Kazgath replied, turning to look at the urchin. "Surely things are not to the point that the Eligos would still side with the Satans. If things are to continue as they are then they will lose not just their status but their lives as well."

"Ha, that might be true for most of you but not the Necromancers." The urchin said, taking a seat next to Rowland. "The so called 'Masters of Death' are not so easily killed. Besides, the Satans don't step on their toes and let them rule as they please. As long as they keep the status quo then the Eligos will stick with Lord Beelzebub until the end of this shin dig."

Serafall hummed at that, turning to look at Rizamor. She lost the pout that laid on her lips as she gave the boy an inquisitive look. "And how would you know this?" She asked, the blank mask that she adopted made it more clear why she was made the negotiator for this trip. "If what you are saying is true then we would need some proof. I'm afraid that your word alone would not be enough if we were to bring this to our comrades."

"Well," Rowland chimed in, giving Rizamor a fierce glare. The boy shrank into his seat at the look that the innkeeper was giving him. While he was always appreciative of the boy, that did not mean that the lad did not do something stupid every now and then. I swear, we don't even know these people. He thought, silently cursing the lad in his mind. "We do know that the Satans are using Nokkzaruz as a key point in their supply chains. Most of the stuff that goes out on the front lines comes here at some point. Magical armaments, weapons, drugs. just about anything that you can think of can trace itself back to the 'Dark City of the Necromancers'." He continued, listing off just a few things that was wrong with the city.

"If what you are saying is true, then that is all the more reason that the Eligos should be recruited to our side." Serafall said, nodding to herself at the idea. "If we could make it so that those supplies end up in our hands rather than that of our enemies, then that may end up being a pivotal point in the war. Do you know who we would speak to in order to make contact?" She asked, looking back to Rowland. She shot him a small smile at the end, no doubt trying to still sway him into telling them.

"Well, if you want to talk to someone that might help then I would suggest trying to talk to the Night Scourge!" Rizamor chimed in once more, leaning over the table as he did so.

"The Night Scourge?" Kazgath asked, looking a bit bewildered by the name. Luckily, he didn't notice the small but powerful kick that Rowland shot at the boy's chair, silently chuckling as the boy fell onto the ground after banging his head. "I am not familiar with anyone going by that name. I trust that it is big named folk legend or what not here in Nokkzaruz?"

"You would be right about that." The rogue replied, shooting a look of disapproval at his protégé as he sat back down, rubbing a small bump that no doubt was forming on his head. "Supposedly he's supposed to be a vigilante of sorts. You were in luck that some of his work wasn't on display. Every now and then the people will find some mutilated body of one of the Eligos. Well, either one of the family or one of their lieutenants." He shrugged at that, nonchalant at the whole thing. "Impalement, mutilation, flaying. The man has made quite a scene out of using their remains as a warning."

"To whom?" Serafall asked, looking a bit sickened at the thought. No doubt worried about what he could do were he to turn his attention to their side.

"Well, that depends on who you ask I suppose." Rowland responded, turning to look at the disturbed looking heiress. "Some say that he's just a mad man who just gets his kicks from it. That's the usual story anyhow. Some crazed devil that takes his own sick view of justice and imparts it upon Nokkzaruz. No doubt once the war is over the Eligos will turn their attention to him and they'll put him down like a rabid dog."

"You know that's not true Boss!" Rizamor exclaimed, glaring daggers at the innkeeper. Rowland lazily looked at him, trying not to show his true feelings on the matter to be shown.

As if I don't feel bad enough for bad mouthing all the efforts I have made to try and save this wretched city. He thought.

"The Night Scourge is a hero to the lower-class devil!" The boy continued, passion oozing out of his speech as he went on. "Back before the Scourge came, crime was rampant like you couldn't imagine. Men were killed for the slightest offenses, women and children were preyed upon by the depraved, no one was unscathed by the black cloud that the Eligos hung over us!"

"Then what happened?" Serafall asked, looking a bit curious. She slowly lost the disgusted look that she had; her eyes opened a bit as she took in the story. "From what I've seen, things are bad but not as bad as you make them out to be."

"When we had all given-up hope and fallen into despair, that's when he appeared." Rizamor continued, his eyes a bit in the same wonder as the Sitri heiress. "When he first arrived, we had all assumed the same thing that the boy had said." He said, pointing a finger at Rowland. "'Oh, just another random killer, he'll be dead within a week' but we were wrong. And it wasn't just anyone that he killed. He went after murderers, rapists, drug fiends. He never allowed an innocent person to be hurt no matter what."

"You seem to be quite passionate about this young man." Kazgath pointed out, looking a bit intrigued. "I take it that there is a reason for this?"

The urchin nodded at that, "Yeah, I saw the man once." He admitted, looking nostalgic as he thought of the memory. "Trust me, I know that he isn't a bad guy." He started, allowing the memory to guide what had happened all those months ago.

Rizamor looked up in terror at the five large devils. All of them were heavily armed, the longswords in their hands and the daggers on their belts looking a cut above the regular weapons thugs wore in Nokkzaruz. However, what had most stood out to him was the coat of arms that the men were all wearing.

The symbol of the winged devil upon a skeletal steed was one that all the peasants of Nokkzaruz knew all too well. The symbol of their oppressors, the ones that used them in all different methods before finally discarding them. The coat of arms that the Eligos claimed as their own.

"Alright kid," One of the thugs said, walking past his fellows to talk at the petrified urchin. He had a long scar going down his cheek and a cruel pair of black eyes. He was slowly running his hands down the longsword he held, as if stroking a cat.

"Now, I know that you didn't come by that there blade fairly." He continued, gesturing to the fine-looking dagger that he had in his hands. "How about you just hand that over to us and we'll just forget that this whole mess ever happened. What do you say?" He asked, reaching his hand out. It would have looked friendly were it not for the cruel sneer that he had on his face.

Rizamor grasped the dagger ever so slightly. He knew that he was easily outmanned and wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight. He knew that he shouldn't have robbed that corpse that he had found. 'Idiot, everyone knows that if you so much as touch one of their own that they will come hunt you down. No amount of coin is worth that.' He cursed in his mind, weighing his options.

He could turn the dagger over and hope for the best. He had heard that sometimes the Eligos men could be forgiving. However, based upon the look that the thugs were giving him he doubted that would be the case. No, they would probably torture him for a bit and then leaving him there for the scavengers. No, if he was going to go down then he was going to go down with a fight.

"Well, no offense sir," Rizamor started, glaring up slightly at the scarred man. "But I think that you'll kill me no matter what you do. Letting me go doesn't seem like something you'd do out of the kindness of your heart."

The scarred man grinned at that, "Well, you are right about that kid. But I thought I might as well make this whole thing more interesting. It gets boring when all you do is murder and pillage, murder and pillage. The same thing each day, can you blame a man for wanting a little something more?" He sighed at that, "Well, I suppose this is the end of the line kid. But to be honest, who in the nine hells is going to care when we gut you?" He asked rhetorically, chuckling at his own little joke.

"I think that I might." A voice whispered from above, the six devils looked up in shock. The five thugs looking like they had just had their worst fears realized. The all took a quick step back, leaving the scarred devil stuck out front.

As for Rizamor, the boy looked up in shock. He had never really believed the rumors. They were too farfetched, especially here. But looking up at the shadowy figure, the three ethereal runes on his mask. It made him think that maybe there was such a thing as destiny.

The only thing that they could make out about the man was the dark leather that he wore. Even in the low light it seemed to be finely made. No doubt from a skilled craftsman's finest stock. However, what really stuck out to them was the mask that the man wore.

The worn leather looked as if it was weaved from the purest essence of night. The three glyphs that ran down the middle of the man's face pulsed lightly; his eyes barely able to be made out. It looked as if the man was sizing each of them up for what they were worth.

First, staring down at the trembling boy who looked up at him with an awe smacked look. He quickly turned to the five thugs, his eyes narrowing. He flexed his hand, the shadows behind him came to life. It but a scant few seconds the darkness ossified into a javelin, hovering in the air. The figure dropped his hand, as if he were a judge that had just given his sentence to the guilty verdict. Then all hell broke loose.

The javelin fired off, impaling one of the devils in the back as he tried to make a run for it. His body was jammed into the side of a building, impaled upon the shadowy shaft of the spear. The figure's eyes darted to the other four, a feral smile seen beneath the cowl that he wore. His hand reached out towards the ground, the shadows shooting forward as it took the shape of a knife. And with that, he was off.
The figure jumped in the middle of the remaining four, stabbing out towards another devil who had tried to make a break for it. The dagger entered his gut, the sound of serrated metal meeting flesh once again sounded throughout the alley. With a quick pull and a yank, the man's intestines were splattered over the ground.

The other three looked at one another, hesitance clear in their eyes, but still charged the man. They had to be given credit for their courage. Not many would have the spirit to continue after having watched that gruesome display. However, that did not save them all the same.

The figure ducked from the first one's jab, the second one had his fist raised and his dagger poised to strike. However, a quick jab in the neck and he was paralyzed for a second as he gagged. That was enough time for the figure to flip him over his shoulder, tossing him towards the scarred devil. He then turned to look at the one left standing, weaving in between the slashes that were frantically sent his way. He rolled behind the man after a few seconds, grabbing the man's head he quickly slit the man's throat. The devil gagged for a moment, clawing at his own throat but to no avail. He dropped to the ground, his eyes wide in horror and his fingers drenched in his own blood.

The hooded man then looked to the last two as they scrambled to their feet. He juggled the dagger a few times, testing the weight, then tossed the blade into the eye of the fourth one. The man reached up towards the dagger, his good eye widened in shock as he verified that he had been pierced in the brain. He too dropped dead, a similar look of horror on his face.

"Y-You killed them." The scarred one said, taking a few steps back. "Y-You monster, what the hell are you?!" He yelled, seeing the futility of running he charged the man, pulling his sword and giving a cry of rage.

The figure looked at the man, a bored gleam in his eye as he stood there akin to a statue. As soon as the scarred devil was within reach, he flicked a finger towards him. A shadowy figure appeared behind him as an obsidian chain sprang into being. It jumped towards the devil, slithering as it wrapped itself around the man's torso. It quickly tightened itself, the man giving a final cry of pain as the chain broke his ribs and punctured his organs.

"Ah, when will idiots like you lot learn." The man lamented, shaking his head at their stupidity. He turned to the corner of the alley, Rizamor seized up a bit when he saw the man look him up and down a few times.

"Innocent." The only word that the man said to him, turning and scaling the building that he dropped down from. It appeared that he would be allowed to walk away from this encounter unharmed.

However, as Rizamor sank to his knees, he watched as the figure disappeared back into the darkness from once he came. He felt no fear within him. He could tell by the man's mannerisms that he meant him no harm. Nor was it pure surprise that kept him rooted there. No, it was a sense of admiration that he felt in that moment. This man had undoubtably just saved his life. Rizamor did not want to think about what those devils would have done to him had this figure not been there to save him.

The boy rose to his feet, still shaking from the traumatic event. He had enough excitement for tonight. With that thought in his head, Rizamor forced himself out of the event. Another witness of the Night Scourge's work.

"That is quite the tale that you tell Rizamor." Kazgath said, taking a sip from his drink. "Had I been of a weaker stomach it might have even been a little exhilarating." He added. It was clear from the man's blank demeanor that he was not taken in by the story.

His mistress, on the other hand, was a different story. Serafall's eyes were open in shock, her mouth slowly turning into…a smile? "Oh, that must have been so exciting!" She exclaimed, not at seeming appealed at what she heard. "What happened after that?!"

Rizamor blinked a little at the heiress's words. He looked to Rowland, confusion slowly leaving as he shot the innkeeper a smug little grin. "Well, after that I just went on my way." The urchin explained, shrugging a bit. "I don't know where to go from there so I left as quickly as I could. I didn't want those deaths pinned on me." He leaned forward towards the Sitri, his eyes sharing a similar glint to hers. "But I know in my heart that he is out there somewhere. He's a hero in my book, in several people's books if you ask around. He's kinda like you Anti-Satan Faction folks, fighting against the corrupt nobility and what not."

Kazgath looked up at that, seeming to ponder the thought. "I suppose that you could look at it that way." He said, not looking too amused at the thought of being compared to what he no doubt thought was a common criminal. "However, we are fighting for a better tomorrow. A day where we can live without the tyranny of the Satans. This 'Night Scourge', on the other hand, is but a single vigilante. I cannot condone the amount of bloodshed, if anything it appears that you are trading one cruel master for another."

Rowland's eye slightly twitched at the comment. He had to keep himself from speaking out against the elderly man. Not only would it appear strange, after how much he had tried to avoid this topic, but he knew that he won't be able to control himself after he started. He looked out of the corner of his eye to see the shocked look on Rizamor's face. He would have to steer the conversation back on track it seemed.

The rogue coughed once, the three other occupants of the bar looking in his direction as he began to speak. "In any case, that was not what you were asking for. You'll have to forgive Rizamor," He looked over to the boy, his look silencing any words that the boy was mustering up the courage to say. "He gets too wrapped up in wives tales and the gossip of our patrons I fear." Rowland turned back to Kazgath, his elbows resting upon the table as he continued. "I can put you in contact with someone from the Eligos family. I have contacts who work tightly with a lieutenant of theirs. Given any luck you should be able to see them by tomorrow night. Is that satisfactory to you?"

The Sitri heiress snapped back to the topic at hand, his eager look replaced with the smooth mask of a noble within a split second. It was hard to imagine the steely eyed young lady sitting at his table was the same one that had just been engrossed by a story of his exploits.

"I think that that should be more than acceptable with us Rowl." She said, her voice devoid of emotion as she spoke. It appeared that he had underestimated just how prepared the girl was for this sort of job. She turned to her servant, turning away from his eyes. "What do you think Kazgath? Anything you want to add?"

"Just one thing Mister Moechor." The elderly devil said, mimicking the rogue's stance. "This contact of yours, can he be trusted? You understand that we are on a very important mission as I'm sure that you are aware, and time is of the essence."

Rowland nodded once, his face betraying none of his emotions. "Yes, he is a low-ranking informant for the family. He's the sort that will do whatever is needed in order to get the job done. He owes me a few favors so setting up a meeting with the Eligos will be no problem at all."

Kazgath stared at the innkeeper for a few moments, his eyes narrowed as he looked at the man. Rowland could only guess what the old man was thinking behind his expressionless face. No doubt he was trying to see if he was lying to them, misleading them for his own benefit. He didn't blame the butler. In this city you needed to know how you can twist a situation to your advantage after all.

The butler nodded once, very slow and deliberate. "Very well, I trust that you can handle such a delicate task." He said, his eyes holding a hard gleam to them. "Would you want us to write up a message to be delivered?"

The rogue shook his head, "No need, if it is a simple invitation then I can handle that quite easily. I'll even have Rizamor run it to them as soon as I am done if that is satisfactory to you?" He asked, turning back to Serafall.

"I believe that that should work well." She replied, a small smile gracing her lips as she nodded in thanks. "Thank you for your assistance Rowl, we appreciate it." Her eyes beamed at him as her mask eroded away.

I swear, I can't get a proper read on this girl. Rowland thought, returning the smile with one of his own as he offered the girl his hand. One moment she was all smiles, then down to business and then back again. He kept the same dead smile on his face as she shook his hand, sealing the deal.

"If there's nothing else, then I think it is time that I lock up for the night." Rowland said, standing up as he did so. He turned to look at Rizamor, clapping the urchin on the shoulder as he spoke. "Rizamor, if you won't mind cleaning up in the kitchen, I would appreciate it."

"Of course Boss, anything you need." The boy said, jumping out of his chair as he did as he was bid. He turned to look to their two guests, bowing slightly. "Have a good night and enjoy your stay with us Miss Sitri."

The heiress pouted at that, puffing up her cheeks as she did so. "It's Serafall!" She exclaimed, looking like she was about to throw a tantrum. "Geez, how hard is it to say my name?"

Kazgath chuckled at her response, standing up as he did. "Well, I think that it is about time that we adjourned for the night. Gentleman, I fear we must bid you farewell until morning." He looked down at his charge, giving her a silent look.

Serafall sighed a bit, looking a bit sad as she looked to the rogue. "Well, I'm afraid it is time we went to bed. We have a long day ahead of us, see you later Rowl." She said, shooting the man one last smile as she followed her attendant.

Rowland waved them goodbye for the night, returning the girl's smile with one of her own. He waited until he heard their door shut, sighing a bit to himself as he put the mask away. He then turned to the urchin, giving him a good glare as he jerked his head in the direction of the kitchen. The rogue walked through the door, not turning to make sure that the boy was following behind.

He didn't need to anyways. Rizamor gulped once, looking frightened for a second as he followed the innkeeper. As soon as the two were in the kitchen he gave the room a quick look.

For such a beat-up looking inn, the kitchen itself looked to be quite well maintained. Though it was obvious that the place had been put through a lot today. The dirty dishes, the fireplace still smoldering a bit from the constant fire that they had to keep going throughout the day, the remnants of the ingredients for their meat pies left out in the open on the table in the middle of the room. All in all, it looked like the place had recently been raided by bandits and left to rot.

Rowland didn't pay this any mind as he stepped towards the back door. As soon as he reached it, he locked it shut with the rusty iron bar that served as the only barricade to keeping robbers out. When he slid the rusty old bit of metal into place, the small squeak the only sound that could be heard. He slowly turned to the boy, his dark blue eyes glaring icy daggers into the boy.

"Now Rizamor, would you like to answer a few questions for me?" The rogue asked, gesturing to a chair next to the table. "Take a seat, this won't be long."

The urchin did as he was told, almost throwing himself onto the chair as he did so. It had been some time since he had felt this way. If he were being honest, he was a little afraid of his Boss. While he knew the man would never intentionally try and hurt him (he hoped not anyways), he knew the Night Scourge well enough to know he was not a man that was easily crossed.

"W-What do you mean Boss?" The boy asked, looking away from the man's stern gaze.

"Boy, do you know what allows me to do my work?" The rogue asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you know what keeps us from being turned into one of those walking abominations? Do you?"

"S-Secrecy, you have to keep your identity secret so that no one finds out who you really are?" Rizamor explained, looking a bit confused. He turned to look up, his face now contorted into a confused look. "But that's only with the Eligos isn't it?"

Rowland shook his head at that, slow and deliberate with his mannerism. "Not just them Rizamor. What do you think would happen if those two would end up putting the facts together and found me out?" He asked.

"I suppose that they would end up helping us, won't they?" The boy answered, looking confused as he did so.

Rowland's eyes widened a little in confusion at the answer. "What makes you think that?"

"Well, aren't the Necromancers their enemies?" Rizamor asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Won't it be better if we worked together to- "That was as far as he got before Rowland slapped the table. Apparently, that was not the answer that he was looking for.

"Are you a fool boy?" The rogue asked, scoffing at his own question. "Of course, you are. Why else would you follow me around?" He sat on the table, turning to look down at his protégé after he was situated. "No Rizamor, I very much doubt that they would help me. And even if by some miracle they did, I won't take it."

The boy's eyes looked even more confused, tilting his head as he asked another question. "What do you mean Boss? Won't it be better to throw in our lot with the Anti-Devil Faction? As it stands, they'll no doubt be fighting the Necromancers here soon. If we got them on our side, then we could finally put the Eligos down for good!"

Rowland shushed the boy as he began to get louder, pointing up at the ceiling. They had guests here, guests that it won't do well if they were to listen to this conversation. "Be that as it may, I won't trade one noble for another. If we did that then I would be spitting on everything that I have fought so hard for." He explained, shaking his head. "You are too taken in by Sitri's supposed innocence. Trust me, I don't doubt for a second that she would treat us worst than the Eligos would. No, I need to finish this by myself."

Rizamor looked sad at the answer, staring back down at his lap as he responded. "I don't think so Boss." He said, shaking his head. "I think that she seems like a good person, even if she is a noble. You know that I have a sixth sense for this kind of thing." He looked back up to the rogue, that same sad look shining in his eyes. "I know how much this means to you Boss, I do, but I think that it's something that needs to be considered. If you keep going like this you're going to, going to…" He couldn't bring himself to finish his sentence. Though it wasn't hard to guess what he was thinking. He was going to die.

The rogue nodded at that, not showing his thoughts on the matter. "I know." He answered softly, shrugging once at the thought. "That's just the way that things go I'm afraid." He stood up, turning to look back at the boy. "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to use this situation to my advantage." He walked towards the counter, reaching over the opened window as he pulled a piece of paper and his ink bottle from his desk.

"What do you mean?" Rizamor asked, not liking where this was going. Never let it be said that he didn't believe in Rowland. However, he knew that his Boss was willing to do whatever it took to get what he felt needed to be done. "What are you thinking about doing?'

"Well, young Miss Sitri wanted to meet with the Eligos didn't she?" Rowland asked, a small smile on his face as he answered. "I intend to make sure that she does. And to do that she would need to talk to the one that I've had my eye on for a while now. One that has recently set up shop here?" He turned to look at his protégé, a devilish look in his eye.

"Boss, you don't mean?" The urchin asked, the idea already springing in his head. "Gorthrath?

The rogue nodded, "We'll use the meeting to draw him out. If she's the kind of person that you think that she is then she'll no doubt act repulsed by that fat pig." He snorted at the thought. Gorthrath Eligos had a certain taste for women, the sick noble not one for beating around the bush and instead going for what he wants without hesitation. "If what you say is true then she'll see the Eligos for what they are. If that is the case, then I'll make sure that she isn't harmed in the crossfire. And, perhaps, I might even humor you and hear her out about the supposed good of the Anti-Devil Faction." The look on his face made it quite clear that he doubted that would happen.

Rizamor looked a little sick at the idea. It didn't feel right, using the Sitri heiress like this. However, he knew that this might be the chance that he was waiting for. He slowly nodded his head, "Alright, I suppose that will work." He said, slowly as he looked back to the innkeeper. "But how are you going to contact Gorthrath?"

"I'll ask Amanozako for assistance." He explained, his protégé's eyes widening at the thought. He waved off the boy's concern, looking quite at ease at the idea. "The Spider owes me a few favors. She can easily set up a meeting between the two within the day." He started to write, dabbing his quill into the ink a few times as he started. "I'll need you to run this to her as soon as I am done. Is that understood?"

"But Boss, you know what they say about her!" The boy exclaimed, getting a stern look as he spoke up. He quickly corrected himself, speaking more softly as he continued. "They say that she eats anyone that comes near that old shrine! That she's even worse than the Necromancers!"
"Well, those are obvious lies." Rowland replied, not looking too disturbed at the thought. "Amanozako has worked hard to cultivate the kind of image that she has. It keeps the idiotic fools that I often have to deal with out of her hair." He turned to look back at Rizamor, a small glare returning to his face. "Tell her that I sent you and she will not cause you any harm. Tell her that The Moon reflects what the Web spins. She'll know what it means and if you mean to stay here the night then I suggest that you just do as you are bid." He went back to writing his letter.

By tomorrow he would have his shot to put down another lieutenant in the Eligos's empire. One step closer to putting the Necromancers in the grave.

And all I have to do is deceive one girl to do it. Rowland thought, continuing his writing as the morbid thought arose. He won't admit it to anyone, let alone himself, but he did feel a little guilty about what he was doing. He could argue that it was for a greater good all he wanted. However, he knew somewhere in his heart that what he was doing was wrong. Because it was something that an Eligos would have done in a heartbeat, without a second thought.

The thought caused him a small bit of grief, his hand tightening up on his quill, almost enough force to break the fragile thing. However, he kept writing. He had come too far to simply chicken out. He had sworn he would do whatever it took to take down the Eligos and he had meant it. If he stopped now, then everything he had sacrificed up till this point had been for naught. And he couldn't accept that.

END

So, thoughts? As I said before, Rowland is not a particularly nice individual. Nokkzaruz is very much a place where the strong and ruthless thrive while those that don't have the stomach to do what needs to be done are quickly killed. There is a reason why Rowland got the reputation that he has. If he has something that can better his goals, then he will go after it. It doesn't mean that he doesn't feel bad about the things that he does. It just means that he feels that his goal is more important than anything else.

Now, onto my cliff note for the chapter! My favorite part if I'm being honest.

Amanozako: Amanozako, or the Webspinner as she is called in Nokkzaruz, is a rather mysterious entity. No one can place when this yokai ventured down into the Underworld, building up the reputation that was said to rival that of the Night Scourge in his early days. However, what we can place is that she was already established within the Dark City long before Rowland Moechor set foot within it. Known as being the greatest information broker, her skills were the one thing that no doubt kept the Necromancers of old from slaying the yokai in her temple. Nowadays it is said that she runs the Spider's Web, one of the more infamous night clubs that are so common within Nokkzaruz. When pressed about information regarding Moechor, we only got this response: "Oh, he was such an adorable boy back in the day! When he was first starting out I thought that he wasn't going to last a month. You must understand dearie that the Night Scourge wasn't the first supposed hero that Nokkzaruz has devoured over the centuries. But, in a way, I think that he took the best qualities that the Dark City had and made it his own. Nowadays, it is hard to find someone as pure as poor Rowland. Though I endure, it is still a bit disheartening to know that he was truly one of a kind."