The price of power

Chapter Seven: Awakening and the truth

Waking to the sound of transport ships arriving, Amirah glances at Magnus’s resting frame. Getting up slowly to not wake him, she makes her way outside and starts walking towards the square. As the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon, the transport ships come into view. Waiting patiently as they descend, she draws out her PDA and checks over her messages as the ships finally land. Stepping forward, she’s met by another marshal as he steps off the ship.

“Marshall Doyle. It’s a surprise to see you here. Last I heard, you were still at headquarters. You move fast.” Instantly irritated by the man’s tone, she refuses his proffered hand.

“Check your tone, Marshall Faran. I don’t answer to you.”

“No, but you will answer to the Head Marshall and that won’t be Caden forever. I know all about your little pet demon in the lancer squad. That will be your undoing, you traitorous bitch. And when that day comes, I will be there to watch you fall.” Moving past her, he shoulders into her and heads deeper into the city. Coming from the barracks, Lana looks at the Marshall’s retreating back.

“Who was that?”

“A problem. Are the others up?”

“Mostly.”

“Good. Once they’re all awake and fed, meet me back in the infirmary. There is more to discuss. I will wake Magnus.” Leaving Lana to carry out her orders, Amirah hurries back to the infirmary. Entering the back room, she finds Magnus sitting up, looking at her with exhausted eyes.

“How are you feeling this morning?”

“About as good as I look, I expect. Which means, I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

“Will you tell them about the cost?”

“I will. How much did you tell them after I passed out?”

“Only the basics. About the research team and the serum. About my identity and Vivienne.” Nodding his head, Magnus frowns at her name.

“So Ikane told you then?”

“Of course she did. Do you think she’s involved?”

“Most likely. She’s after Eden as well.”

“Magnus, what’s at Eden? I’ve heard it mentioned, and I know it was I. O’s primary research facility, but what makes it so important?”

“As soon as the others get here, I’ll explain.” Sighing, Amirah takes a seat next to Magnus and waits for the girls to come in a few minutes later. As Celeste comes through the door, Magnus speaks.

“Close and lock the door, Celeste.” Waiting for her to take a seat after locking the door, Magnus pulls a small device from his pocket and turns it on. A small blue light shines for a moment accompanied by a high-pitched whine. After a few seconds, the whine goes away, and Magnus speaks.

“I should have used this last night. But this will stop all recording devices in a short area for a limited time, so I’ll explain a few things quickly.” Taking a deep breath, Magnus continues. “Our enemy is after a research facility known as Eden. The reasons are pretty simple, really. It’s the location of the cure. It completely nullifies the DMN serum, and it’s accompanying virus. That’s one thing that is there. The other is the more advanced version of the DMN serum. It would turn a normal demon into an Arch Demon like myself, and the demon spawn into fully fledged Demons like Arthur. It is imperative we get there as soon as we can.” Frowning from her seat, Amirah looks at Magnus.

“How long have you known that there’s a cure, Magnus, and why is this the first I’m hearing of it?”

“I’ve known for quite some time. And is it really that hard to work out why I said nothing to you Amirah? Surely you’ve worked it out by now?”

“The traitor.”

“Correct.”

“Surely you know it’s not me, Magnus. You of all people should know that I would never...”

“I know. But whoever it is has top level access. I’m sorry, Celeste, I wasn’t entirely honest with you earlier. This will be hard to hear, but the destruction at Anbushire was caused by the traitor. I was close to uncovering them, and they slipped away. They started the fall and by taking the city with them, they covered their tracks. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to stop them before that happened.” Standing up, a tear falls from her eye.

“Are you telling me my father died because someone wanted to cover their tracks? How could you keep this from me and how can someone justify so much senseless death and destruction?” Sobbing, she falls to her knees. Getting up from her spot, Ikane goes and hugs the smaller woman, letting her sob into her shoulder.

“They justify it because they have no regard for human lives. To them, humans are cannon fodder. A means to an end for their experiments. This gives you all an understanding of the people we are dealing with. I will find and punish those responsible you have my word.” Standing up from the bed, Magnus moves over and picks up his chart, letting his word hang in the air for a moment. Coming back over, he leans heavily against the bed and looks at the women in front of him.

“Now there is one more thing I need to address. My unification. Whilst it makes me incredibly powerful, it comes at a heavy cost. Unifying your power increases your power a hundredfold, and the power grows every day until the day you die. The serum makes us live very long lives, and that is where the problem lies. My power has grown to a point where my body can no longer sustain its use. A few seconds of use like yesterday sees me laid up for a day or two, my healing factor severely reduced. An extended fight could kill me on the spot. It’s hard to say exactly as I have no way of knowing the cost of using the blade until I sheathe it.”

“So as long as you don’t use it, you should be fine.” Leaving Celeste, Ikane looks at Magnus as she stands, fear and questioning, plainly written across her face.

“No. The power inside me is growing little by little, day by day. Even if I don’t use the sword, it will eventually be more than my body can handle. I plan to see this through to the bitter end, regardless of what it will cost me. But if by some twist of fate I don’t make it, it’s up to the six of you to finish this. Do not let Arthur and Vivienne win. You’ve seen the merest fraction of what they are capable of. What it would mean for the world if they succeed in their plan.” Pushing off the bed, Magnus refuses the look from Amirah. “I’m going out to get some air. You should think about what I said. I will completely understand if you no longer wish to serve under me.” Walking over to the door, Magnus unlocks it and leaves out into the chilly morning air.

“Why didn’t he say anything?” Looking sadly at the open-door Amirah stands and looks at Ikane.

“I don’t know Ikane. Or perhaps I do. You all have the day for yourselves. Get some rest and think about what your future path will be. Come find me once you’ve decided. I’ve a few things I need to take care of.” Leaving after Magnus, Amirah heads off in the opposite direction. Looking towards the door, the lancers shiver as a cold gust of wind blows through.