Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 272: To Distant Shores

I just feel like Im abandoning them, Maiya, Vir said, speaking into the communications orb. He sat on top of the orphanage, gazing fondly at the children playing in the yard below. It was one of his favorite spots in the whole city, and hed spent hours up there before, either meditating or talking with Maiya.

What game are they playing now? Maiya asked.

Some sort of tag. Except the person doing the chasing is wearing a Vaak mask, Vir said exasperatedly.

There was silence for a moment as restraint fought a losing battle, then the dam broke, and Maiya burst out in giggles. Ah yes! Vaak, the vaunted Warrior of Ash. The enigmatic demon who ushered forth an era of peace and prosperity!

Shut up. Virs retort was, however, lost over Maiyas deluge of laughter.

Except its all true, isnt it? she said after finally coming back to her senses. You said it yourself. Jananis getting paid again. The kids have shoes, and theyre eating better than ever before. The slums are getting cleaned up and everyones happier. I really wish I was there to see it.

Vir grunted begrudgingly. Still, I ought to be here to oversee the change. Theres bound to be abuse, and if Vaak isnt present

Except thats the beauty of the symbol youve crafted, isnt it? Maiya asked. Everyone is Vaak. Sure, maybe the rebels dont have your strength, but they do have magic. They will fight back if anything goes awry. The looming threat of you returning will keep Asuman in check. That, and the other clans who support you. And Shans presence. Dont worry. Besides, its not like youre going back to the Ash or something. You can always hop over if anything comes up.

I know, Vir said. Hed repeated the same line of reasoning several times in his own mind, trying to convince himself he was doing the right thing. I just wish I could finally settle down in one place someday. Im sick of saying goodbye.

When Cirayus had given him a week, hed thought it would be all the time hed ever need. Now, just hours before he had to leave, he was fraught with second thoughts.

Thatd be nice, Maiya said wistfully. Id like that too. Maybe once youve restored your clan. Until then, trust Cirayus. Has he ever led you astray?

No, Vir admitted. But what about you? At least I have Cirayus and the Gargans. You dont have anyone you can trust. I cant imagine how hard it must be for you.

Well, I do have Ira. And Yamal and the Silent One, though theyve been more distant of late, Maiya said, her expression falling. Ira gave me a new mission. This feels bold, even for her.

What, is she planning on having you kill Imperator Andros or something? Vir asked, his brow knotting in worry.

What? No! Maiya said. Im not an assassin, Vir! I dont kill people like that.

Vir had been sure she was about to say like you, though could he blame her?

Right. Sorry, Vir hastily replied, shuddering at how quickly his mind had gone to assassination. When did I start thinking killing people like that was okay?

Hed have to be careful of such thoughts from now on.

But honestly? Maiya continued. What shes having me do may not be any easier. For Ira to stage her coup, she needs to destabilize Andros power base. Which means ridding him of his allies, both inside Kinjal and out.

Sounds like a tall order, Vir said. Isnt Andros one of the strongest Kinjal Imperators in recent history?

He is, Maiya agreed, her head drooping. Which is why this is so hard. Hes also a notorious warmonger.

But Iras trying to prevent the war, isnt she? Inciting one seems like it only serves Andros plans.

Right. She wants to avoid a war at all costs. Which is why shes sending me to Sai, whos historically been Kinjals ally. If I can stage a conflict in Sai and ensure they know it was Kinjal who precipitated the assault

Then their faith in Kinjal, and in turn, Andros, will be destabilized. Wont that paint a target on Iras back, though?

Not if Im disguised as Princess Kira, Iras younger sister.

Really? Vir asked. A princess personally raiding another country? A bit farfetched, dont you think?

Actually, its perfect. Kiras a battle junkie, through and through. Even better, shes pulled stunts like this in the past with Matali. The Matali incident went largely unpunished, but when she went and slaughtered a company of Ranian soldiers, Andros was furious.

She sounds unhinged, Vir replied, thinking immediately of a certain mad Thaumaturge.

She absolutely is. Which is why shes been under house arrest ever since. But Iras going to arrange for the princess to conveniently give her guards the slip one night.

And thats the night youll raid Sai, Vir said.

Look at us! You, off to incite a rebellion at the Ash Boundary, and me, sewing the downfall of the most powerful ruler in the Known World. Weve come so far, havent we?

Maiya wiped a nonexistent tear of pride from her eye, but there was an element of truth there as well.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Youre right about one thing, Vir said. I never imagined wed end up here. Makes me wonder where well be in another year.

Hmm, lets see. Youll be Demon God Vaak, supreme ruler of the demons, and Ill hmm. I think Illbe a saint! The most powerful mejai ever to live, revered and loved by all of humanity. Wouldnt that be poetic?

Vir snorted. More likely that well both be dead. Or imprisoned. But we can dream, I suppose.

His wistful expression darkened into something more sinister.

Are you gonna kill anyone on this mission for Ira?

Nah, Maiya replied. Im just gonna burn a few warehouses in the Sawai district and give them a few good fights. The Sawai there might find themselves without fine wine for a few weeks, but theyll live. Maybe itll even do them some good.

I dont like this, Mai, Vir said. Ira already has you infiltrating a crazy cult. Now shes making you go on raids. Its too dangerous.

Just like its too dangerous to cross the Ash? Maiya shot back. Or to rebel against an entire realm?

Thats different, Vir said. I had help. I had Cirayus.

Yeah, well I have the Silent One and uh, Yamal, Maiya said, hanging her shoulders. Yeah, I know. Not the most reliable help in the world, but hey! Better than nothing! Though, theyve been more distant with me, ever since they found out about my connections with Ira. They think Im her personal attendant now. Or at least, Yamal does. I can never tell what the big guys thinking.

Well, its not far from the truth, Vir said. She really ought to be giving you more support, seeing everything youve done for her.

Tell me about it. I did get a sweet estate, though.

I just worry for your safety, Maiya. I wish you didnt have to do this.

I know, Maiya said, sighing. With luck, my time in the Children will be over soon. And, yknow? I worried too. I went everywhere with that infernal orb, on the off chance you reached out. I couldnt sleep the first several weeks you were gone.

Im sorry, Vir said. I didnt know.

Yes, well, I made sure you didnt, Maiya said with a small smile. Can I say something selfish?

Anything.

Keep worrying? For me. It, um it feels good. Knowing theres someone out there who really cares for my safety. Not just as a means to an end.

I will, Maiya. I do. Just wish there was more I could do. I wish we could be together.

So hurry up and unite the demon realm and make me your queen, Maiya replied, sticking her tongue out.

Vir chuckled. Right. How careless of me. Let me just get right on that.

Maiya giggled and then froze, as the implication of what shed just said dawned on her.

Vir came to the same realization at the same time.

I, er

Oh, um, I just

A great shadow appeared beside Vir, providing a god-sent distraction.

Cirayus? Maiya asked, seizing on the chance to shift the topic.

Hello, lass, Cirayus replied, shoving Vir aside, and beaming like a doting father. Glad to see youre well! Taking care of yourself?

You bet I am. Just wait, when you guys come back here, well have to fight. I need to make up for that trouncing you gave us before you left.

Cirayus roared in laughter. Aye, lass, he said. Id like that. Now, I know you two were catching up, but Im afraid Im afraid your marriage plans will have to wait. Weve a long journey ahead of us.

Both Vir and Maiya went promptly red.

R-right. Keep him safe, yeah? Maiya said softly.

You have my word, lass.

Vir? I know youre going on undercover, and we wont have a chance to talk for some weeks. So please give them my regards?

Vir nodded, all levity gone. I will, Maiya. Love you.

I know, Maiya said with a coy smile.

With that, Cirayus ended the call.

Are you ready, lad?

Ready as Ill ever be, Vir replied, and donned his mask.

Meanwhile, in a decrepit old building in Samar Patags slumsa building that was becoming steadily less decrepit thanks to recent funding that had allowed restoration work to begin, Hiya knew that today would be the worst day of her life.

Ekta, Hiya, and Svar stood in complete silence, shaking in their shoes, while Janani regarded them with an expression so stern that to Hiya, she looked like someone else entirely. Someone harsh. And cold. And scary.

Janani was joined by Greesha, which showed the girls just how severe this talk would be. Greesha had only lectured them like this once before when theyd been thrown off the wall for trespassing.

Do you know why you girls are here?

Ekta stared at her feet. Hiya felt an overwhelming urge to speak up. To take responsibility. But she couldnt. It was as if Adinat himself had sewn her lips shut. They simply wouldnt budge.

You are here because your actions put the lives of other children in mortal peril, as well as the lives of all those who risked themselves searching for you. Do you have any idea what youve done?

At that moment, Jananis words could freeze the room. Hiya had never heard her speak like this before.

I have nothing to apologize for, Svar said, breaking the silence. I shouldnt even be here, with these dregs!?

The sound of Jananis slap echoed off the walls, leaving Hiya stunned. She wasnt the only one. Svar froze in shock, seemingly unable to even turn his head.

Your idiocy has left one of my children in a coma from which he may never awake! Do you know what youve done? Jananis words came increasingly frenzied, and she looked about ready to choke Svar to death. He saved you, and this is how you speak to me?

Janani, enough, Greesha said in a soothing voice.

Yes, put some sense into this woma

Say one more word, and I will have your tongue cut and delivered to your father, Greesha said in a cold tone that was, somehow, even more terrifying than Jananis deranged shrieks.

Neither Ekta nor Hiya dared move a muscle.

Be grateful that I have not fed you to our guardian wolf. It certainly wanted to feast upon your flesh, and I would be well within my rights to.

G-guardian wolf?

Shan? Greesha called.

All necks turned as a presence made itself known. Hiya felt its power before she saw it. The terrifying black beast oozed black prana off its hide like fire, and it was all Hiya could do to stare at it. Forget speaking, her entire body had gone rigid.

Are we to be eaten!?

Hiyas head spun at Ekta, who looked absolutely stricken.

No!

Before she knew it, Hiya had fallen to her knees, clasped her hands, and was pouring out a torrent of words.

Please spare Ekta she had nothing to do with this it was my fault please take me instead dont let her be eaten please I beg you!

Tears flowed from her eyes in rivers, puddling on the ground. She had been the one to plant the idea in Bolins mind. It was only because of her insistence that any of this had happened.

Vaguely, she registered Ekta crying beside her, but it was hard to tell through her watery eyes.

Janani knelt and regarded Hiya with a sweet, motherly expressionbut her hard eyes remained the same.

Nobody is feeding you to the beast, dear. However, do you understand what you have done?

Hiya sniffled. Yes. Bolin is... Because of me. Its all my fault.

Had Hiya been looking at Janani, and not down at her slippers, she mightve noticed the stern expression on Jananis face crack, held together only with sheer force.

Yet as Hiya continued to sob her heart out, Jananis mask finally crumbled, and she swept both girls up in a deep hug. She, too, was shedding tears.

Never do this to me again.

I wont, Janani. I wont I swear.

And she never would. Hiya made an oath to herself, right then and there. That everything she did from now on would help people. Not for her own selfish pleasure. But because it was good.

Svar looked at the three with disgust, his eyes alternating between the sobbing children and the black beast that bared its saliva-dripping fangs at him.

So, what? You want me to get on my knees and beg for my life? W-well, youll get no such pleasure from me.

Oh, no, Greesha said, a sinister smile spreading across her already daunting face. For you, we have something extra special planned. Shan?

The Ash Beast loped toward Svar, growling and seething.

Svar backpedaled. He spun. And he ran. He ran for his life.