Chapter 138: Yesterday’s Friends

Chapter 138: Yesterday’s Friends

For the longest moment, Maiya simply stared. It was akin to walking into ones home and finding a Prana Swarm lurking in the corner. Or an Ash Gate. Or something equally as ridiculous.

How?Why? No. Maybe its a mistake. Maybe its only a bracelet that looks familiar. But look at him! He clearly recognizes me. Those beady eyes of his. It has to be him! Oh, gods. Whats going on?

Maiya struggled to piece the puzzle together. Why was Vir here? How did he end up raiding for the Pagan Order? Why was he helping free demons?

No, its exactly like him to do something like this, isnt it?

Having gained access to Princess Iras entire intelligence network, Maiya was privy to many secrets. She knew that Ashborn was simply a misnomer for a rare type of demon with gray skin and red eyes. And she understood the true face of the Pagan Order. That they worked to create a sanctuary for demons. Vir was a demon.

They must have offered him a job.

Maiya quickly intuited the series of unfortunate circumstances that led to this moment. The Pagan Order had learned of his nature and divulged their secret. Vir, being the sweet soul he was, couldnt say no to rescuing his fellow demons.

Maiyas gaze turned to one of pity, and Virs to confusion.

What are you doing here, M he began, but Maiya shook her head, hoping against hope Tia didnt notice.

Get the hint! Please get the hint!

Tia? he blurted, pivoting awkwardly.

Oh, no.

Excuse me? How do you know who I am?

Oh, I, uhwell that redhead over there said your name earlier, didnt she?

No, she didnt, Tia said confidently, pointing at Maiya. That insufferable wench didnt say a word.

She certainly didnt, Vason added, growing suspicious. Who are you? I dont recognize your face.

Oh grak. This is my fault, isnt it?Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Vir would never have made a mistake like that normally. Her presence would have come as a shock to him.

It's over, a demon behind Vir said dejectedly. Should've figured this was too good to be true.

I can explain Vir said, facing Tia.

Explain how you know my name, Tia said, edging closer to Vir with her spear.

Virs eyes darted between Tia, Haymi, and Maiya.

Tia, Im ordering you back, Maiya said. Step down. Ill handle this.

Grakking Ash I will!Theres something suspicious here and Im not budging until I find out what. You ought to have realized it too. Whats going on? Do you know this man?

Maiyas heart pounded madly in her ears.

Weve never met, Maiya said, leveling her gaze at Vir. Please understand. She hoped her thoughts would reach him.

The look of longing Vir gave her told her they hadnt. She wanted to forget everything and just run over and hug him. But she couldnt. She had a part to play in this.

Im sorry, Vir. I cant help you right now.

I've seen you around, Vir said, trying to salvage the situation. Your mercenary exploits have really gotten around.

Oh, well, thanks?

I'm sick of this, a four-armed demon snarled from behind Vir. I don't care if it kills me. I'll fight my way out.

Stop! Vir shouted, restraining the demon. Don't resist. We don't have to

Apra!? Tia said suddenly. That katar. Is that you?

Vir whirled, his eyes wide, instinctively moving his katar behind him.

Haymi, Vason, that's the katar we bought him, isn't it?

Er, I dunno, Tia? Vason said, scratching his nose. Might just be a similar one.

Y-yeah! Haymi squeaked. I'm sure it's a different one.

Okay, Vason's one thing, but Haymi? You're a terrible liar. You two know something, I don't, don't you?

No! It's not like

Tia extended her spear to Vir. What are you doing with our friend's katar? Either you're Apra in disguise, or you stole that weapon from him. Or worse. Because I know he'd never sell it. If you're not him, I'll be retrieving that weapon.

She might be a chal, but she's pretty perceptive, Maiya thought. Doesn't look like he'll be able to talk his way out of this.

Vir deflated, and when he spoke, his voice was hoarse. You're right. Tia. Its me. Its Apramor.

Uh, nice disguise, there, Apra! You sure fooled me, she said. Even to Maiya's ears, her voice sounded put on. As if she'd already known, and was trying to hide it.

Tia turned to the mejai in confusion. You even knew about this? What haven't you two been telling me?

S-so, er, what are you even doing, Apra? Helping out the Pagan Order? Haymi nervously glanced away.

Tia relaxed visibly.

Well, you should've said something earlier! What are they paying you? she asked with a sly grin. I'll double it. Look, I won't lie, I've never been a fan of this plan of hers, Tia said, nodding to Maiya. Sure, I get that the Order's gonna kill them, but seeing them here, right in front of me? All I see are the faces of my parents' killers, Apra. Would you feel nothing, were you in my boots?

It's not that simple, Tia. I have reasons for my actions.

You're not going to budge, are you? Alright, fine. Do what you want, she said with a sweep of her hand.

Nice acting, Maiya thought. Vir had gotten Tia to stand down without ever admitting he worked for the Order. He'd walked a tightrope... but would the prisoners see it that way?

Vir breathed out, then turned to the demons. Come with me.

Get grakked! a demon raged behind his back.

Anywhere's better than here! Vir shot back, his face contorted with frustration.

Pagan Order's worse, a frail elderly demon man croaked.

What's with that look, demon? Tia said, addressing the four-arm demon who glared daggers at her. You're one of them, aren't you? You're one of the ones who wouldn't bat an eye murdering human children. You want to kill me, don't you?

Tia approached, hefting her spear.

So his plan failed... Maiya thought bitterly. The demons weren't willing to come along. Short of incapacitating them all and hauling them out, Vir's options were extremely limited.

Oh, I'd like that, the demon snarled. Just come a little closer so I can break that thin neck of yours.

What are you doing? Vir asked in exasperation. Didn't you hear her? She'll let us go! Just calm down.

With pleasure! Tia fired back. But it'll be your neck, and it'll be on a pike!

They inched closer. Tia crouched, ready to thrust her spear, while the four-armed demon drew his fist back.

Enough! Vir roared an instant before they attacked. He faced the demons earnestly. Im not here to kill you, alright? I'm here to save you!

Can you prove it? a demon said.

Vir hesitated, glancing at Tia, then firmed his expression, standing tall.

I can, he said. But first, Tia? I want you to know that I'm really sorry about this. Do you trust me, Tia?

Um, that's a little out of the blue. But yeah, of course, I trust you, Apra.

Vir took a deep breath.

Im a demon, he said softly, turning to the prisoners. You wanted me to prove it? I'm one of you. You keep saying we're with the Pagan Order, but do you see, now? We're not with those demon haters, and I'm not here to take you to your executions. I'm here to bring you to safety. A place where you can lead a better life.

So that's his angle, Maiya thought bitterly. Truthfully, Vir had few options left. His only other choice was abandoning the prisoners, and Maiya now knew he'd never even consider that.

Tia watched with a bemused expression, assuming Vir was bluffing them.

Wow. This might actually work? Maiya thought. Well done, Vir.

The words of a demon prisoner brought everything crashing down.

Talk is cheap. If you're wearing a disguise, remove it.

Tia scoffed. Just listen to their entitlement, she spat. What right do they have to make demands of you?

Maiya bit her lip. It wasn't Tia who'd called his bluff, but the very demons Vir was trying to save. He had no choice now. He'd either have to abandon them, or...

Vir brought a hand to his eyes and removed his lens, then smeared off his makeup, revealing gray skin.

Well? he said tiredly. Do you believe me now?

His only hope now is that Tia stands aside out of respect for their friendship, Maiya thought.

The blonde stared on in shock. This is a joke, right? Tell me this is some sick, twisted joke.

Then, whirling, she glared at Vason and Haymi. You knew. You knew! And you kept it from me! she shouted, boiling over with rage.

I know you hate demons, Tia. I know why you hate them. But did I ever tell you what happened to my father? Vir said softly. My father adopted me. He raised me from birth by himself, despite his meager means. He was just a hardworking lumberjack who worked himself to the bone to put food on our table. He'd never harmed a soul.

Vir stared at Tia grimly. Do you know what they did to him?

The princess leveled her spear at Vir, but her hands trembled. Her expression was one of equal parts shock and confusion.

Hiranyan knights murdered him. Right before my eyes. They killed my best friends parents, too.

Maiya twitched, her fingernail digging into her palms.

Humans did this, Vir continued. Knights whose oath is to protect life, not destroy it. So tell me now. Tell me that humans arent evil. Say it to my face. Because isnt this exactly what happened to your own parents? But I dont hate humans like you hate demons. Knights, maybe. But I understand that everyones different. That hating all demons because of the actions of a few is something only an ignorant child would do. I know you, Tia. You're smarter than that.

Vir swiped Tias spear aside, and Maiyas heart throbbed. Tears welled up in her eyes, but they contained no pity.

You're one of the few friends I've ever had. So I'm asking you to stand aside. I don't want to fight you, but I will help these demons. Or by Vera, I'll die trying.

Maiyas chest filled with something warm. Tears flowed freely down her cheek.

Gods, I missed him!