Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 155: Into The Ash

There she is! Maiya shouted, pointing at the ground far below.

After searching for a moment, Vir spotted the black, winged beast that was roaming around on the ground, looking lost and insecure.

Hold on! Cirayus said as he reached the apex of his jump and began to fall.

The warning was hardly necessary. The giants mastery of Balancer of Scales was so great that their descent was idyllic, and their landing soft.

Once again, Vir wondered at the abilitys wealth of uses. Not only would it drastically amplify his strikes, but itd give him something he sorely lacked right nowrange. While his katar attacks had grown deadlier thanks to Prana Blade, hed never been able to do the same for his chakrams. Based on his current understanding, the feat might very well be impossible.

Which meant that going forward, his discs would be less and less useful. Even in the human realm, against both the Narapazu and the Matrons Hunters, they did little other than to serve as a distraction. Against Ash Beasts? He wondered if theyd even be worth the added weight to carry them.

Gaining a power like Balancer would even those odds. Multiplying the weight of anyone nearby, especially if applied tactically when the enemy didnt expect it, would be devastating. It was then that something odd struck him about the ability.

Cirayus said Balancer affected anything he touched but how can he affect people dozens of paces away?

The answer came to him moments later. Ground prana. Hes got a way of remotely manipulating ground prana!

Not only that, but the ability worked while he was in the air, which made it far more useful than Virs Talents.

He made a mental note to study it in detail sometime. Lacking the tattoo, Vir doubted he could reverse engineer it like he had Dance of the Shadow Demon, but perhaps there was some new insight to be gained by analyzing it.

Frumpy! Maiya jumped off Cirayus shoulder the moment they touched the ground and ran up to her frightened Acira. Im so sorry. The scary demon attacked us out of nowhere, didnt he? You mustve been terrified!

She talked to the beast like it was a bandy pup, though Vir could tell she was only trying to act tough. He knew, because so was he.

That would sound endearing, if that thing didnt look like it could destroy an entire village, Vir commented, standing some distance away.

Aww, Frumpys harmless! She wont harm a soul. Well, not unless they threaten her. Then she might chomp their head off.

Vir took a slow step back.

Just kidding! Shes more likely to fly away than lash out. Shes incredibly well trained.

We have them in the demon realm as well, Cirayus said, scratching the black beasts belly. It seemed only too happy to receive his ministrations. Legends tell of avian beasts that breathed fire. Many believe them to be the ancestors of modern-day Acira. But it is true. These beasts are quite harmless.

I see. But whyd you have to name it Frumpy, Maiya?

Hmm? Well, because she looks kinda derpy, doesnt she? Besides, Bumpy, Grumpy, and Dumpy were already taken. Not a whole lot of other words that rhyme, yeah?

Why does it have to rhyme!? Vir thought, desperately trying to forget the goodbye hed have to say in just a few short moments.

This was the last time hed see Maiya for what might be a very long time.

His eyes lingered on her back, and he broke his stare only when she caught him looking. Fate truly is cruel.

Balancer is good for covering ground, but Acira are better still, Cirayus said, motioning to the beast. They fly higher, as well. Wed best get on and fly the rest of the way to the Ash Boundary.

Vir took the spot behind Maiya, with Cirayus riding at the rear.

How does that work? Vir asked, mostly to distract himself.We wont be in contact with the ground. Wont you be unable to use Balancer? Actually, how do you even jump so high? I understand you can reduce your weight, but Ive never heard of a Talent that continues to function even once its in the sky.

Cirayus grinned. Well observed. Suffice it to say, Balancer of Scales is a bit special. All the Ultimate Bloodline tattoos are.

Vir expected more of an explanation, but when the giant fell silent, he understood none would be forthcoming.

Does he want me to figure it out on my own? Or is there some other reason he cant say?

Even after they took off,the tattoo was still very much active, though the rush of prana that had flooded into Cirayus upon activation had died off to nearly nothing. Instead, the Earth prana in Cirayus body circulated rapidly, flowing in and out of the tattoo.

Wait! Isnt this like Parais prana channeling technique?

The giant's Earth and Life Affinity prana moved in an unbelievably complex pattern through every limb.

Youre using your own prana to sustain the ability.

Cirayus looked impressed. Did one of your past incarnations tell you that, lad?

Vir shook his head. Hed taken some time to contemplate just how much to trust Cirayus, but as the demon had said himself, if he wanted Vir dead, he couldve killed him many times already. After everything Vir had heard, there was little doubt the four-armed giant was indeed the same demon whod brought him over as a baby.

Which meant hed risked his life. If Vir couldnt trust people whod sacrificed everything for his sake, hed have serious issues. They dont help me out nearly as much as Id like. I have Prana Vision; I can see prana. Your technique looks very similar to Parais prana channeling.

Cirayus cocked a brow at his words, regarding Vir appraisingly. Another Iksana ability. Youve been blessed, lad. Many demons would kill to have Iksana Sight.

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Vir thought back to the experience that had yielded the ability, back in the Godshollow. Hed nearly lost his life, and Ekanai had nearly killed Maiya. The ability certainly hadnt come without its risks.

It is as you say, Cirayus continued. Prana channeling is the very foundation of many demon arts. My ability being one of the most advanced variants. Though even as much as I rely on channeling, itd hardly suffice on its own. My ability uses both Earth and Life affinities. While Earth may not be available to me in the air, Life certainly is. I combine that with prana channeling to sustain the ability.

Ordinarily, Vir wouldve peppered the giant with more questions, but he just wasnt in the mood.

Im really leaving.

In a way, he felt like he was running away. From Hiranya and Princess Mina from Tia and Spears Edge. Even now, complex feelings roiled in his stomach. He wished for a chance to talk to her again. To show her that demons were just like humans. It felt wrong to leave with so much unresolved.

Nor did it end there. There was everyone he was leaving behind. The Pagan Order, for one. Just when hed found people to call his own, hed left, fleeing Cirayus. That threat was now gone, but after learning of his past, Vir knew there was no going back. Not when so much of his history lay in the demon realm.

And then there was Maiya. All the others, he could rationalize. He could get over them.

There was no getting over Maiya. For as long as they were apart, hed never feel right. The hole in his chest would return.

Shed been quiet until now, and while Vir had never minded the silence, this was truly one of the last chances he had to converse with her. To hear her voice one final time.

But when he tried to speak, the words wouldnt come. It wasnt just the wind noise that made talking difficulthe just didnt know what to say. What was there to say? That hed miss her? That he felt awful leaving? Hed already said all that, and so had she.

In the end, he said nothing, opting instead to tightening his embrace around her waist, squeezing her with just enough pressure to let her know.

Maiya smiled, resting one hand on his when she wasnt giving Frumpy directions.

Their moment didnt last long.

The instant they soared over the ramshackle Matali wall, the air changed.

Vir sensed it before the others. Prana saturated the air in quantities unlike anything hed ever experienced, exerting a heavy pressure, not unlike Balancer of Scales.

And in the distance, a shimmering blue-silver wall pierced the sky, extending to the heavens.

Were already so close? Vir shouted over the wind.

Its not that were close, Maiya replied. Just that the boundary is enormous.

Vir had read about this phenomenon in the Balindam archives. The Ash Boundary was so tall, it warped people's sense of perspective. There were tales full of those who sought to venture close to it. They thought they were merely hours away, yet found themselves walking even days later.

At our current speed, its still an hour away! Maiya called.

The Boundary wasnt the only mesmerizing sight. Ash prana floated in the air.

Tentatively, Vir activated Empower on his arm. Instead of sucking prana through his feet up his body, he pulled it from the air, just as a mejai would. The prana came slower than he was used to; there was simply far less of it in the air than there was in the ground.

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But the fact remained. For the first time in his life, hed drawn in ambient, airborne Ash prana.

It was a small thing, and entirely meaningless. It still filled him with joy.

The shimmering barrier grew steadily larger, and pressure increased, growing uncomfortable.

Vir was about to ask Maiya if she was alright when she directed Frumpy to descend, landing a few dozen paces from the boundary.

Vir hopped off and gazed unsteadily up at the barrier, craning his neck until he nearly fell over. It went on forever, disappearing into storm clouds high above. The sky had darkened, and thunder roared in the distance. As if the Ash refused to be contained within its realm, and bled slowly into this one.

That might actually be exactly whats happening, Vir reflected, thinking of the Ashs relentless expansion.

There wasnt anything remotely like it in the Known World. Had it not been so dangerous, Vir might even have called the sight beautiful.

And also broken, a voice whispered within his head. There was a wrongness to the barrier. An unnaturalness that struck out to him, though he couldnt begin to explain why.

How long has the barrier been here? Vir asked as he retrieved his heavy rucksack off Frumpy.

Since the Age of the Gods, at least, Maiya said, looking slightly pale. No one knows for sure. It might even have existed forever.

Vir wondered what secrets it kept within its domain.

Within Mahdi. He only hoped hed gain a glimpse into those mysteries.

Lad, wed best get a move on. This close to the boundary, theres no telling when one of us might be snatched up. Just as the boundary deposits monsters, it can pull people into it, too.

Both Vir and Maiya shot him a stern look.

Hm. There is much I need to tell the lad before we venture in. But, well, I suppose that can wait a few moments, the giant said, looking at Maiya with sympathy. Youd best say your farewells now.

The demon moved a dozen paces away to stare at a bush, as if it was the most interesting thing hed ever seen.

Dont go? Maiya blurted, before hastily covering her mouth.

The pain in her eyes nearly made Vir falter.

No, I didnt mean to. I dont know what!?

He didnt falter. He instead rushed up to her, embracing her in a tight hug before she had a chance to say any more.

Gods! Im going to miss you, Vir, Maiya whispered, tears streaming down her face.

I know.

Maiya was sobbing now.

Im going to miss you so much.

I know.

After Maiya sniffled. After we found each other again. Vir

Vir broke the hug and grasped her shoulders, looking her in the eyes.

Dont say you cant. Youre strong, Maiya. Look at you, youre the right hand of a princess! Just a year ago, you were an ordinary village girl. Nobody gets to where you are without being strong.

Vir wiped her tears away, only to find that his own face had just as many.

This is just as hard for me as it is for you, yknow? he said.

Isnt there any way I can come? she asked. Take me with you.

Cirayus grimaced from nearby. Im sorry, lass. Youd be walking to your own death, he said softly, but with a firmness that allowed no rebuke. You're far too young to throw your life away so wastefully.

But hey, at least I have your orb, right? With Cirayus around, we can talk whenever we like!

I truly dont mean to be the bearer of bad news, lad, Cirayus said, but I do not believe those orbs will work in the Ash.

O-oh, Vir said, desperately wiping his tears before the demon saw. But they will in the demon realm?

I cannot say. I merely overheard the mejai I traveled with saying as much. Tis one of the many reasons humans know so little of the Ash; communication is impossible.

But can you power them? Maiya asked, sadness ebbing from her voice.

My captors never let me try, but I dont see why not. I possess Life, Earth, and Fire affinities, after all.

Vir, give him the orb! Maiya said excitedly, wiping away her tears. The other ones back at my room in Kinjal so it wont work, but well know if he can turn it on, at least.

Vir was also curious about that. He hadnt ever seen a demon power an orb. It should have been possible in Balindams Undercity, which wasnt as prana starved as the rest of the Voidlands, but seeing Cirayus use it in person would prove without a doubt that demons could use human magic.

Vir carefully hefted the oversized orb with both hands, which fit neatly into Cirayus palm. Vir focused on Prana Vision, carefully observing the demon but nothing happened.

Er, this is rather embarrassing, Cirayus said, scratching his chin, but how does one activate these? Ive never had the opportunity.

Do you create a suction when powering your tattoos? Vir asked. Like, do you suck the prana into your tattoo somehow?

Suck? Ah, the vacuum effect. Yes, basic prana manipulation technique. By creating a pocket of prana suction directly under the tattoo, we draw in ambient prana, powering the mark. I think of it more as pooling the prana, but what you describe is analogous.

Virs excitement grew. So tattoos do work like orbs then!

In that case, try focusing onoh. You already got it.

The giant pulled prana from the air, and a few seconds later, the orb glowed faintly.

Yes! Maiya shouted. Yes! It works!

Aye. I suspected they might function similarly to our tattoos, but hmm. They can store a pranic charge, cant they? How curious.

That surprised Vir. Hed thought for sure tattoos could be precharged as well.

Of course, Maiya answered with excitement. Mejai practically rely on it. In fact, you dont even need to be a mejai to use magic if you have a precharged orb. Nearly anyone can activate a combat spell thats already been charged. Once. After that, you need a mejai to refill it.

Vir smiled, happy her mood had recovered. So had his. Talking to Maiya gave him something to look forward to. Something precious.

I see. Demonic tattoos do not work in this manner. They cannot hold a charge, as you say.

Vir wondered what the difference was. Something else to investigate, he thought, smiling at Maiyas elated expression.

Looks like we might be able to chat, after all, Vir said, smiling at her.

Theres hope, at least, she said. I can live with that. Just dont take too long to get through the Ash, alright? Youll break my heart.

I wont, he said gently, hugging her. I promise.

Vir clutched her tightly, hoping the weight of his feelings would bleed into her the longer they held each other. Seeing how fiercely she clung back, he knew she felt the same.

I, erm, Maiya said eventually, staring at her feet. I guess this is it, then? Ill be honest, Vir. I dont want to do it. I dont want to say goodbye.

Then dont, he whispered. Dont say goodbye. This isnt farewell. I will return. So will you wait for me?

Maiya pulled back to look him in the eyes, allowing their foreheads to touch. I already said I Actually, no. I wont wait, Vir, she said, pausing just long enough for the look of shock on Virs face.

I-uh, t-thats fair. I dont

I wont wait, because Ill grow stronger. So I can be as strong as you when you return. Maybe even surpass you. Im gonna work my ass off. So that you dont leave me behind.

Vir stood with his mouth open for a long moment, then chuckled. Thats the spirit. Guess Ill have to make sure I dont slack off in there, he said, thumbing to the Ash Boundary.

Not like you can. Youll die if you do.

I suppose youre right, Vir chuckled.

They fell silent.

Dont take unnecessary risks. Its dangerous enough as it is.

I wont.

Keep your head on your shoulders.

I will.

Each time Maiya spoke, her words were accompanied by more and more water welling up in the corners of her eyes.

Shed just stopped crying, too

And listen to Cirayus! Dont ever stray far from him.

I swear it.

There were no words that would console her, so Vir didnt bother with any. Instead, he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. It was only a quick, short peck, but it was enough.

Her tears halted in their tracks, leaving her flushed and gaping in shock.

Ill see you on the other side, Vir said, turned away before Maiya could see his flushed cheeks. Before he could reconsider, he grabbed Cirayus arm and strode through the boundary without a hint of fear.

At least he hoped it looked that way. He hoped shed see the back of a warrior, stepping boldly into the unknown, and not his wobbly legs.

He didnt hear her words as she stared holes into his back. Not fair.

Then he was gone. Into the Ash. To the Realm of myth and legend. To his destiny.

Princess Mina Hiranya bit her nails as she paced around her chambers, her wooden leg clacking against stone. Her bedraggled appearance mirrored that of her room, where black hair littered the floor and splinters of smashed cabinetry lay strewn about.

The hunt for her would-be assassin had consumed her every waking thought. The princess dress was soiled and torn, and she hadnt bathed in days.

Where is he? Where is he!? she shrieked at Kamna. Her bodyguard knelt and lowered her head, avoiding the princess stare. Both out of respect and a desire not to look upon the soiled and shredded clothes the princess wore.

Im afraid hes betrayed us, your highness.

How!? He wore the subjugation collar! How did he escape? Mina's eyes widened in understanding. Gatik. The chal has turned on me as well. Ill have his family killed!

Kamna shirked back under the princess hysterical words. The mercenaries we hired claim Gatik died fighting to the last, princess. They say the giant crushed the collar with his bare hands.

Impossible. Lies.

Kamna shook her head. I do not believe so. We hired those unaffiliated mercenaries directly, bypassing the Brotherhood. Their loyalty lies with the highest bidder. That's us.

Where was the last sighting? When?

From our spies, two hours ago. They are working with the mercenaries to find the demon and the Ashborn.

Have them work harder! Double our payment. We have to find them!

Minas face was twisted in rage, confusion... and fear. This was her last chance. If she failed here...

Three quick knocks sounded on the chambers door.

Your highness, permission to enter? I bring news from our spies.

Mina nodded, and Kamna showed the runner in.

The runner paled and took a shaky knee.

What word?

I-Im afraid the giant and the target have fled.

Where? To Kinjal? It matters not. Send more troops.

No, Your Highness. To the Ash.

Mina froze. Say that again.

They crossed the boundary. They fled into the Ashen Realm.

Mina whirled in rage, unleashing an Arc spell at the runner.

Kamna Blinked to defend the unarmed runner, taking the spell to her armor. Her body convulsed for several moments, but the lightning rods embedded into her cuirass absorbed most of the damage.

Out! Get out! NOW!

The terrified runner fled, but Kamna refused to budge.

You too. Leave me.

Her bodyguard nodded and limped away, casting a forlorn glance at the princess despite the pure loathing Mina leveled at her.

Mina crumpled to her knees, her wooden leg clattering on the ground. This was it. Her final chance. And now it was gone. Shed failed.

Her brothers had already stripped most of her powera task made easy owing to her admittedly erratic behavior of late. Her connections had been severed, her influence shredded.

This was her greatest chance to kill the assassin. To capture Savar. Shed failed at both, and now she was doomed. Destined to fade to obscurity, or worse.

Why... Mina sobbed, holding her face in her one remaining hand. Why?

END OF ARC 4