247 A Chant - No Taint!

By midday news flooded throughout the sect of two casualties within the forest. What brought everyone to their knees was that of the two dead, one was Shinoda. Yes, Shinoda the Half-Step lord, the one second to only a genius most previously thought was insurmountable. A definite future lord, who with a few more years of growth would have ascended realms and take his rightful place amongst Lords.

Who but Jason was strong enough to have killed someone of his strength? Yet no, it was not Jason nor was it Bartholemu his fellow Half-Step Lords. Shinoda's murder was a mere teen of only fifteen years old. If an author dared to write this fellow's tale his head would hurt thinking of words to describe his feats[1].

Simply put he had gone past the realms of monster and was just a pure and utter abomination that walked these lands. How could an existence such as him exist? As much as, all lauded the Axus Country thinking their geniuses must surely be supreme. Could any possibly be a match to such an existence?

Then details surfaced of the gruesome nature of their deaths. Darwin was so chard, not even his mother would be able to identify his body. While Shinoda in his death would be jealous of the favor shown to Darwin when Taf left him an intact corpse. For him, not even a head remained, only a few hair strands embedded in the ground as evidence.

It sent shivers down spines as even lords incessantly rebuked Taf's actions just as Alders did. Currently, fifteen had congregated after hearing the news. Their strength varied from the early stages to the strongest being at the latter stages of the lord realm.

Amongst them was Mu and Alders who both were at the mid-level Lord realm. Alders had finally calmed down now within the presence of his peers. They all gathered having insights into what occurred and its impact on the sect and its position.

One thing that would continuously surface in their discussion was Taf's Devil affinity. Did this not forwarn them of this child's tendencies? They truly did not understand the ways of a devil and by his deeds, he was on the pathway to becoming a ruthless fiend in their minds. His action says it all, so most like Alders championed the cause that this was a fellow that could not be controlled.

If he had the strength, who says he would not butcher anyone of them not caring for their status? He went as far as threatening an elder before in the presence of his fellow disciples, which shows total disregard for the sect.

Sharing his discontent as one of the observers of Taf's actions, was Mu who fanned the flames to further heights. He saw how wary the other elders became of Taf and somewhat fearful. You see often times it is quite easy to dread what is not understood. Taf so happened to be such an entity, the only one recorded of his kind. No one spoke of the events adding up to his action, they just saw what they wanted. 

"None can argue against this youth's talent as he is simply second to none. Yet in my somewhat long years, I've had multiple tumultuous experiences. I can say with confidence, never have I met a person who seems destined on the path of pure evil."

Differing from his usual laissez-faire attitude did wonders for Mu's speech, as it showcased how Taf's actions impacted him. He who was previously so nonchalantly and downright lazy, now spoke with conviction as he saw something which in his eyes was appalling in need of highlighting. 

Seemingly touched by his words another Elder whose name was Zander entered the fold. He was of similar age to Mu with grey streaks throughout his hair. From what was known of his character, he was a gentle soul, so it could be seen why Mu's words jolted him into action.

Also surprisingly he was one of the two elders present at the latter stages of the lord realm. Therefore this garnered even more attention to Mu's cause, as with Zander's status his words bore serious weight. He lauded Mu words by saying,

"Elder Mu I see this has truly troubled you. I must say I commend you for making your voice heard. We have always been a prideful sect formed from two clans with differing ideals. Yet when spoken of the sect, its interest came before all. It was written before a brick was laid on these lands and engraved in the dirt. Thus we should not taint this precedent set by our ancestors."

This of course was just what Mu had intended. Someone of greater strength and influence realizing the danger Taf and his companion May posed to the stability of the sect. The whispering would intensify until there was a general consensus. With the two's personalities, they would simply trample on all the sect was built upon. Brotherhood, commandry, and an ideal that none was above the sect. 

"Elder Zander to have someone of your caliber acknowledging my words is truly humbling. I say we must make our voices and concerns heard at the tribunal. I will use your fitting words and say, this child and his companion will be taints upon our sect. Forgo their talent and look at the person within. For the future of the sect and its interest. I say this loud and clear, No taint!"

With his statement, one person yelled before they all started chanting,

"For the interest of the Sect! No taint! No taint!" Their hand punched to the skies as their conviction was now known.

Seeing this Mu smirked in his mind as all was going according to plan. This was just the beginning and before the tribunal even has gathered they would have already arrived at a verdict. Guilty and the ultimate punishment, banishment. Who says good things don't happen to bad people?

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After an hour, discussions had ended with all elders previously congregated going their separate ways. The tournament was after all still in session and their roles remained in effect. Though some still discussed on transmitters and telepathically as they flew to their next destination.

Feeling quite content with himself Mu flew over the forest. He was one of the elders ensuring the safety of the disciples, though it could be said so far he had been doing a horrendous job of it. Sometimes it can be so easy to manipulate a flock of sheep, just show them a bush blowing in the wind and tell them its a wolf readying to pounce.[2]

While gloating in his mind suddenly a hand grabbed him by the throat and a knee crashed against his abdomen. When he looked up there was Elder Zander floating while staring at him coldly in the eyes. There was no longer the soft-spoken, gentle fellow from before but an assured individual,

"You must think I was born yesterday. I played my role in your ruse sparking the flame somewhat. Now tell me what is your true goal."

This shocked Mu who truthfully was not expecting Elder Zander to attack him for no apparent reason. This fellow currently contracted everything which Mu previously knew about him. He was truly panicking as he uttered,

"Brother Zander, what are you talking about? We spoke of that youth's fiendish nature and then you turn around attacking me as you did for no apparent reason. Is this not hypocrisy in action?"

Still, Zander looked coldly, with his gaze unmoving he squeezed Mu's seemingly feebly throat in his hand while speaking threateningly,

"I am bounded by a blood oath so currently, I can't kill you, but that does not mean I won't arrange for you to be killed."

Mu swallowed some blood that had flooded his throat sensing this was indeed not an empty threat by Zander. It appears he was not the only one who knew how to scheme as this guy had kept this facade hidden even away from him. Mu had always thought his eyes were open to all things happening around him but now there were variables which made him quite uncomfortable. Zander then continued, 

"I know you and of all the elders in this sect, you give no fucks if it burns to the ground. All that matter is one thing in your eyes, you! So it strikes me as odd your sudden comradery as you champion the cause. No taint! Such joke words coming from someone like you. Now tell me your plans for the children."

His words caused Mu to curse in his mind, the last thing he wanted was someone to get a whiff of his plans. Yet it only took Zander an hour in his presence to realize he had something under his sleeves. 

"You're so smart yet you dared to attack me and converse in an open area, knowing fully well the grand elder scours the sect non-stop. Why didn't you just whisper it all in her ears? Wouldn't that have been easier?"

At this point, Mu could only shake his head laughing. How could someone be so naive and smart at the same time was beyond him. Soon his mind was set at ease by Zander who seemingly had planned ahead adding to his schemer tag,

"Don't you worry about the grand elder. Currently, she is quite preoccupied and the happenings inside the forest are no longer of concern. Two promising seedlings were killed under her watch so there a few questions that are being asked of her. Now, how about we have a talk, partner?"

Zander like a fox who cornered his prey wickedly smirked while Mu could only grind his teeth. Yet what could he do but have Zander join the fold?

Unedited Version

To be continued...

[1] I don't know if this is plain lazy writing with me facing this plight or genius lol. If anything it is a place holder line for now.

[2] Thought i wrote gibberish but makes sense in the end