Good Seeks Its Own Kind, but So Does Evil - Part 2

SPLAAASH!

We were standing on a stone-lined balcony, the sea rumbling and raging below us so loudly I couldn’t even hear my own thoughts.

It took a few minutes to look around, taking in the endless sea and the grey, stormy sky above.

“Where exactly are we?” I turned to Mineruva and Lupa, and behind them I saw the huge stone wall, culminating in a tall bastion.

The frightening structures of the Capitol seemed to be looming over us in the storm.

It looks worse in person than I thought, I’d rather watch this place from far away.

“What?!” Mineruva tried to shout over the crashing waves. “I can’t hear you!”

“Sorry, I asked where exactly are we?!”

“This is the southwest side of the castle!” Lupa came up to me, the shield strapped to her back. “There’s a hidden entrance down here! We must use it if we want to get in undetected!”

Sure enough, not far from us was a stone entryway, blocked off by a rusty iron grate with chains and several padlocks. Looking inside, I was greeted by a dark corridor and torchlight.

The noise and the shouting was unbearable, and besides it would’ve been better to keep quiet, so I took matters into my own hands.

Unsheathing my newly acquired sword, I ran at the grate at full speed.

“HAAA!”

SLASH!

I slashed the bars from top to bottom.

I’m not lying, the impact made the shattered pieces glow red!

“Whoa, that was cool, Michio-kun!” Rumel cheered, raising her staff. “The sword fits you well!”

After escaping the terrible roar of the waves, we quickly went inside, going through the long dark corridor, where everything was a bit calmer.

“So, the goal is clear, right?” Mineruva asked everyone.

“We smuggle in Lupa-sama,” Adiel replied, her bow and arrow clutched, ready for anything. “Then… Then comes the rest.”

Ever since we accepted Lupa’s idea as a plan at dinner, we’ve been perfecting exactly what to do.

Several objectives were currently in play, the main one being to find and fight Silaghi.

On a smaller scale, though, our priority was finding Magne. We had to interrogate him, a task Lupa took upon herself. It’s just that after what happened two days ago, she might not be welcome here anymore.

“It will be okay if Silaghi isn’t here,” the goddess was walking behind us. “Magne is the only one who benefited from the crime, so she must still be watching him.”

“Unless she talks to him directly,” I offered the unpleasant hint, beginning to feel claustrophobic in here.

“Either way, if he can be saved, we could work something out,” the knight-girl turned around, and it was very hard to look her in the eye, knowing what she was going to say. “But if not, we’ll have no choice but to fight him.”

As beatable as Magne’s face was, it was hard to believe there was a chance we could actually fight him, even after we’d spent a day and a half training for whatever happens now.

Soon we were greeted by a staircase at the end of the torch-lit path, taking us up to the top of the castle wall.

Down below were the familiar stables, above them the walled-in houses, and at our level the overpasses leading from the outer wall into the castle, with people being everywhere.

This is just one big Gates of Tartarus level, and the bad weather is topping the vibe.

Before we went out though, Adiel quietly signaled us to a pause and slowly looked up to see if she could spot anyone on the wall. We followed cautiously, and looking up, winced at the sight.

There were three guards near us, two at the nearby bastion and one standing on his own.

The only problem was that unlike before, they were in full war gear, with only their necks showing through their helmets. They held a sword and shield, with an imperial flag hanging from their back as a cape.

Dang, this is serious now, they’re really prepared to defend.

“Rumel, if I shoot all three, activate the Staff of Akeso,” Adiel said.

She gave a quick nod, and Adiel took a long inhale, then drew her bow.

The runes on the brass scope flickered, then she fired.

I would’ve been too late to warn her not to aim for their necks, but I didn’t have to.

She hadn’t aimed for that at all.

The arrow pierced the back of the lone guard, straight through his armor. The knight hissed softly as the other two looked over.

Two more arrows sliced through the air, precisely hitting them on the side.

“Terapus Olus!” Rumel chanted, as bright blue sparks ignited around her staff.

Looking up, we saw what seemed to be a blue mist swirling around the three knights, and they collapsed one by one, snoring.

“It works!” Rumel smiled as Adiel then leapt forward and pulled the arrows from the sleeping guards. “They’ll be out for an hour, and wake up dizzy.”

Hours ago, since the two girls worked best together anyway, we figured that we’d soak the arrows in Rumel’s Chamomile tea. Just now, she amplified its sedative effects once the arrow injected it into the target. The guards dropped as though they hadn’t slept in days.

By now it was no problem to get out to the wall, but since we were now in a huge circle dotted with bastions, I didn’t know where to go next.

“You guys stay close,” Mineruva suggested to Lupa and me, while keeping half an eye on the men below. “We’ll go around and put everyone to sleep so there are no complications.”

Complications? What are we, assassins?

“The three of you together?” I asked. “I mean, how? Only you can fly.”

Then, as if naturally, Rumel, Adiel, and her lifted off the ground. They were standing on a semi-translucent yellow platform, the size of a small room.

Rumel wobbled a bit, but Mineruva grabbed her in an instant, looking down at me like ‘That’s how! See? I can do that too!’

“Uh, of course…”

“We’ll be back soon, and if there's any trouble, I’ll let you know!”

With that, the platform flew high and began to slowly circle the Capitol. I could already hear Adiel launching arrows again.

Lupa and I quickly ran to the entrance of the nearby bastion, out of sight, and broke through the door.

Inside, it was dimly lit, with only the windows illuminating the large circular room.

I tightened my sword, as we weren't alone.

◆ ◆ ◆

A large figure stood at the opposite window. He turned as we burst in, and Lupa froze, delighted yet terrified to see him.

“Demas!”

It was one of Lupa’s subordinates, the one she was talking to when they escorted that chariot days ago. They respected each other and were on good terms.

Until now...

“Lupa-sama,” he looked over us, emotional and surprised, as if he had seen a ghost. “So it’s true. You’re really in league with the North.”

The girl could hardly breathe, it pained her to hear this from a friend.

“It’s not true! I came to speak with the General!”

“You came? I’d rather call this a break-in,” he drew his weapon in disappointment, taking note of the shattered door. “He himself told me you were dangerous, that you and your accomplices aided a criminal’s escape.”

That was bad news, Magne was expecting us, albeit if he was innocent, he really thought he was up against some spies from the North.

“Hey, buddy!” I stepped in front of Lupa defensively, unnervingly calm. “Your boss is wrong! If he doesn’t lie, then he’s probably unaware of the trouble he’s in right now. We have to ask him several questions.”

“He’d never lie! Right now, those who lie the most are in front of me. Either you leave now or you die. The only reason I’m not killing you immediately, Lupa, is because you were my commander.”

I steadied myself, getting ready mentally.

This was a fight neither of us wanted right now.

Let’s make this quick!

I immediately started across the room, straight at the man who was charging at us.

One swipe, and he dodged it, trying to shove me backwards, grinding his teeth like a bull. He was so strong that even after training with Akemi, I wasn’t fully prepared.

I bent my leg and leapt up. Our swords parted and I kicked the dude backwards, nearly knocking him over.

“Don’t hurt him!” Lupa drew her shield, watching us worriedly.

“I won’t!”

I swung the sword like a ninja, managing to scratch his armor several times. His feet thundered as he struck me with full-body force, then slashed down from above.

I ducked and threw myself all the way to the wall. Everything was going great, for now Demas was caught between me and Lupa.

This half a minute wasn’t enough to see all his movements, but I got the gist of what we were up against.

One savage pinball marble.

In pinball, the metal marble rolling and bouncing fast on the playing field could be controlled with two flippers to avoid falling into the hole behind them, meaning game over.

We also had to keep a ferocious—and quite heavy—opponent between us without hurting him. He may have been moving powerfully, but it didn’t take much to figure out how to beat him.

All we had to do was hold him firmly.

He realized too late that we were blocking him from both sides, and rushed at Lupa, though he clearly didn’t want to.

Lupa had no choice but to strike. She stood in front of the door, braced herself, and while they fought, she pushed him with her shield.

Demas faltered, and responded by throwing his sword and starting to punch the surface of the metal hard, tensing every muscle like a beast, screaming.

No use, my dude. That shield is magical.

Lupa slammed once more into our huge pinball marble, managing to slice through his armor where I scratched it.

The material vibrated, cracked, and the broken piece fell out, revealing Demas’ cloth-covered chest.

He couldn’t bear it any longer, pausing for a second to understand what just happened to him, as if it were something impossible.

But I didn’t sit idly. Sheathing Axis Negative, I struck Demas’ temple from the side with the edge of my palm.

“Ow!” I shook my fingers, pain shooting through me.

Apparently that trick was only painless in movies.

It was effective though, Demas passed out, falling over like a boulder. Lupa checked his pulse, relieved that he actually just fell asleep, albeit forcefully.

Looking at them, I felt sincerely guilty for her sake. We had to silence her comrade, who was devastated to see her again after what he heard.

“Listen, I’m sorry about this. We tried our best to—”

“It doesn’t matter. We tried,” she looked up with a waving tone, but it was only a half-truth. Every word was hard to say. “We’ll clear my name and fix this madness.”

My menu suddenly popped up in front of me, along with a new message from Mineruva.

«The outside is clear. Everyone’s asleep»

So quickly?!

“She sent you a message?” Lupa asked.

“Yep. It’s clear out there now.”

For a minute, I was busy writing a reply, so I didn’t notice Lupa curiously walk over to the window and look out.

She must’ve wanted to see the results of our friends’ work, but instead she began murmuring something, leaning away from the window as if caught.

“Michio-kun! Come here! Now!”

It was only then that I saw her avoiding the window, but pointing feverishly in its direction.

I walked over, still checking Demas was snoring, and looked outside.

The bastion was just past a stone overpass that ran all the way to the castle, ending in a gate. From here I had the best view of the whole scene.

Four knights emerged from the gate, walking in perfect unison. Halting, they split to pairs on the left and right side of the narrow bridge, and waited.

But for whom?

Consul Magne stepped into the light lastly, every step heavy, his face knowing and calm, terrifying to look at.

His usual clothes were reinforced with armor pads, almost not fitting for the guy.

They advanced across, towards the wall, as the four knights surrounded him, forming a protective wall on all sides.

We were doomed.

“There he is,” I said, my heart pounding in my throat, Lupa remaining silent.

I quickly rewrote the message I wanted to send before anything happened, or else any sudden move or idea would be our last.

«Thanks guys, but please get back. Now—Magne is here»

◆ ◆ ◆

We didn’t dare move until she messaged back.

While we were behind the window, Magne and his men must have been about twenty meters away in the open.

The four knights moved away from each other, leaving room for the burgundy-haired guy to watch the stormy sea from the battlement of the castle wall.

Not a minute passed before we heard a strange huffing sound above us.

«We’re at the top of the bastion, hidden from sight. We can begin»

I gently hugged the anxious Lupa beside me, so that she could feel how worried I was for her.

She knew it was time, and slowly stood up, only letting go of my hand when she was about to go outside.

“We’re all here. Mineruva and the others too. Let’s do it!”

She nodded. Releasing my hand, she walked out into the open as I stayed hidden at the window, watching so I could act if needed.

Here’s your chance, Lupa! You know the right questions!

At the clatter of her armor, the knights immediately reached for their swords and took up defensive positions.

Magne could only glimpse her out of the corner of his eye, but turned to face her as she stopped not far away. His face conveyed an unpleasant surprise.

“Tell me, what purpose do you have here, traitor?”

“We need to talk, Consul Magne.”

“Interesting, I’d be surprised if you have anything new to say beyond what the Empire already knows.”

Lupa stepped cautiously closer, but the knights responded promptly. They would’ve attacked her if Magne hadn’t intervened.

“Hold it… She has a weapon, but compared to me, she’s harmless. You may touch her only on my command.”

Touch her? Oh, great, what a nice guy.

They moved no further, nor did Lupa.

Magne crossed arms.

“I’m disappointed in you, Lupa. You have one chance, no more.”

That was all we needed. One chance…

“I’m not a traitor! It’s partly thanks to me that someone who has been convicted on false charges in your presence is alive now!”

Magne raised a brow.

“Did it never once occur to you that you might speak up for her? Review all the evidence, do anything to stop an innocent girl from being executed?”

“What did you expect, a Consul defending a murderer?”

“Wrong question,” she said. “Did you NOT expect a knight to save the innocent?”

He scoffed, probably finding this ridiculous.

“Just as I thought,” Lupa continued. “I honestly expected that a Consul might not be detached enough to judge anyone without a second thought. There’s much more behind this, and it wasn’t the girl to blame.”

“Know your place, Lupa! As a knight, you have no business with who lives and dies! Your purpose is to guard, fight, kill, and obey!” the man sighed in anger. “I promised you a future if you helped me get through the war, and you chose to betray the Empire!”

“There is no war, General. It’s all a deadly charade. The real murderer has nothing to do with the North.”

“Enough of this—”

“Can’t you see the signs?! Don’t you find it strange how convenient things turned out for you in a matter of days?! The crime and the declaration of war, can’t you see it’s all fabricated by someone who wants you to wage war?!”

His gaze grew as dark and cold as the night.

“I’ve heard enough! Seize her and throw her into the sea!” he pointed, and the four knights commenced. “Let’s do her mercy with this in the name of our Senate, if we couldn’t do it to the murderer!”

I couldn’t let that slide. We were seconds away from them grabbing her, but Lupa drew her sword and backed away, and just in time!

A shower of arrows fell down, hitting all four knights in the shoulders.

A low wail, then Magne looked up with twitching eyes, and though I couldn’t see, he must’ve been shocked to see the cat-girl at the top of the tower.

“One last time! Terapus Olus!” Rumel called out, and the four henchmen collapsed wearily, leaving Magne defenseless.

The dude was even more angry than usual, but his contorted expression then changed to a murderous stillness, smiling wide.

“Now, who do we have here? More traitors?”

“Trust me, we’re more than you think,” Mineruva looked down at him coldly.

“You can stop the act,” I slammed the door with one hand and stood beside Lupa. “It's over.”

Magne lowered his head, bared his teeth and spoke from under his eyebrows.

“The act? Do you know who you’re talking to?”

“Yes, a liar,” the shield in the Lupa’s hand thundered mightily. “In front of others, you evaded my questions so easily, but I know when you’re lying. When you’re alone, you can’t hide anything.”

“Guards! Get here now!” he shouted with a full voice, so loud it echoed through the entire building. “I command you!”

“Nobody will hear,” Adiel dusted off her bow. “We’ve put everyone to sleep around the castle, and I bet your Senator friends aren’t good at fighting.”

“Nor would I recommend escape,” I said, adding Magne to my Favorites list. “We have the means to easily track you down anywhere you go.”

“So you better start talking,” Lupa pointed the sword at him. “About the truth… and about her.”

Magne seemed to shudder, and then I heard a murmur. It shifted into giggling, then into maniacal laughter.

“Hahaha! You want truth?!”

He stuck out both hands and there was a huge boom of thunder. Not from the storm, but directly in front of us.

The same familiar darkness appeared around him as around the Birdman before, and black lightning struck between his fists, but it transformed.

The smoldering dark magic had turned into a bulky cleaver nearly as big as Lupa’s shield, from which black smoke billowed. Magne took it, satisfied.

“Sorry to say, but truth is only for those too blind to see they already lost!”

He stormed at us, waving that giant guillotine, ready to wipe us off the face of Leclaire.

He caused legit tremors as he hacked at Lupa with the cleaver. A mighty thunder boomed from her shield, but it didn’t last long.

She stabbed straight into Magne’s side, and quickly leapt away as I followed. Head raised, I ran around, dodging his blows as he hissed. I managed to deepen the wound on his side too.

Mineruva drew up a magical wall, which she thrust at Magne, pushing him back, hoping the wounds would take effect.

But he just laughed as the dark magic covered the wound. His clothes remained torn, but there was nothing there.

“WEAK!” he leapt at both me and Lupa again for a swipe, aiming to cut off two heads at once.

How shitty is this guy? Can’t we hurt him?!

The knight-girl parried, and for a moment I could see the dark guillotine straining against the blade.

As I was about to move, an arrow hit with pinpoint accuracy between Lupa and Magne, just barely clearing the space between them.

The man took a half step back, and I followed slowly, sword in front of me, mirroring the way Rumel was forcefully ushered by the knights. I did not let him come close.

“Next one goes to your head!” Adiel warned.

A sharp smile crossed his lips and in an instant, he easily swung the heavy cleaver and threw it at the top of the bastion.

NO!

Mineruva pulled up our familiar defensive dome, half a moment before the weapon hit. She trembled, trying to keep it steady.

This wasn’t a Birdman whiplash, but a whole weapon being hurled at them with the force of a truck.

Yellow lightning flashed as the cleaver began to crack the barrier.

It’s fine as long as he doesn’t have it! I can attack until then!

I sprang into action, rushing at him, not afraid of something cutting my head off.

He didn’t see me coming, so I managed to surprise him at that moment.

“HAAA!!!”

With one leap I threw myself at him, cutting through everything he had—head, hands, feet, through his armor.

He swatted at me, annoyed, but I pushed away, just in time as the elf-girl fired a shot straight into his head as Mineruva struggled to hold the dome up.

I wondered if he would heal without his weapon… Would that be the key to breaking him?

I wasn’t sure, but we had to try to destroy it just in case.

But what came next gave me a clear, sharp answer.

The cleaver seemed to take on a life of its own, darting away from the girls’ dome, and gliding straight back to Magne.

The problem was, I was caught between them.

Either I could cut the weapon to pieces, or it would do the same to me.

“Michio-kun!!!” Lupa shouted below me.

I was so stupid. Not only had I put myself in this situation, but also wanted to continue, to see if I was right.

I really had to stop proving dangerous stuff to myself.

But it was too late to dodge away now.

I started slashing the cleaver midair, which slowed down a bit. The smoldering dark magic was only a breath away from me, but I kept slashing. My sword was strong. It could take it remarkably well.

But the cleaver, though it fell apart, was suddenly drawn back together by the dark lightning like a bunch of arms, reassembling itself as if my attempt had been for nothing.

I fell back, preparing for the back-pain as I was crashing down.

But I didn’t hit the ground.