Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 144: To Cross The Ash

How did you survive? Vir asked.

I nearly did not, Amarat said, taking a seat at their table. The custodian leaned back, rested a bony elbow on the table, and narrated his tale, his eyes wandering to a distant memory. A century and a half ago, I joined a Kinjal expeditionary force. Times were desperate, and the promise of freedom too tempting. I knew the risks. Least, I thought I did. Call it the brashness of youth.

A century and a half? Vir thought in surprise. He'd known that demons lived longer than humans, but Amarat looked to be in his sixties. Just how old is he?

What happened? Vir asked.

The force composed of mejai and Balarian warriors was tasked with mapping the Ashen Realm near the Ash Boundary. For future missions.

Wait, I remember reading about this, Maiya said, prompting the elderly demon to raise a brow. There were no survivors.

You are privy to some very secret Kinjal information, girl. Yes, that was likely the expedition I was in. They thought to take a demon along to see how Id fare. I fared well enough, I suppose.

The report said the group never returned. That everyone had died.

Amarat chuckled.

You never reported back to them after? Vir asked.

I owed the Kinjals nothing. Less than nothing, in factI was a slave. It became quite clear to me soon after entering that theyd knowingly sent us on a suicide mission. We had no Mejai of Realms. No mejai worth anything, in fact. Just Mejai Sorcar. The rest were Balarian warriors, and none very strong. Perhaps they thought to send disposable scouts through, on the off-chance they might strike gold.

Thats exactly what the mission was for, Maiya said softly, averting her eyes. It said so in the notes.

I see. Then I must thank you for confirming suspicions Ive held for half my life, girl, Amarat said, stroking his long beard, looking wistfully into the distance. No matter. Most succumbed immediately to prana poisoning. Ill not subject you to the details. Suffice it to say, its a miserable way to go. Were I not dealing with the poisoning myself, I mightve fainted at the gruesome sight.

Yet you survived, Vir stated.

Hardly. When we think of thick prana, we think of magic. Of vitality and strength. When one visits Kinjal, one feels empowered, being so close to the Ash. But too much of a good thing is lethal in its own right. The prana in the Ashen Realm isnt merely thick. It suffocates. The sheer force of that magical energy rips your body apart, seeking equilibrium.

Vir exchanged a knowing glance with Maiya. If the density was far higher there, it made sense Ash prana would try to worm its way into the body of those coming from a less dense region.

I could not even walk, such was the pressure. Relegated to my knees, I crawled as I bled from my very pores. The others mightve had it easier, perishing relatively quickly. Not I. My agony lasted for hours.

Why didnt you just turn around? Maiya asked. I always wondered about that. Enough high-ranking mejai make it back that it seems possible. Yet I never find any record of why the others dont just abort their mission at the first sign of trouble.

Amarat laughed. It seems the Kinjal have scrubbed certain details from their records. I cannot imagine those survivors would all have omitted that detail.

What detail? Vir asked.

There is no Ash Boundary on the other side, the demon said, scoffing. If only there were. Do not make the mistake of assuming the Ash operates under the same rules as the Known World. It does not. There is no night or day there. It is a place of continuous twilight where Ash falls eternally, from gods-know where. The Ash Boundary that cuts across our world like a scar is nowhere to be seen.

Thats so theres no way back?

No reliable way, no. You can imagine our panic when we arrived there. As far as I can tell, Ash Gatesor Ash Tears, as the unstable ones are calledopen and close at random. Some lead deeper into the Ash while others may spit you into an abyss. A precious few lead back to the human realm. I simply happened upon a gate that led back to safety. It was a one in a million chance.

It led back to Kinjal? Maiya asked.

No. To Sai, of all places. Dropped me high in the air, too. I hobbled back to civilization with legs full of broken bones. Nearly died, too. Twould have been such cruel irony, to have survived the Ash only to die in the Human Realm. For the longest time, I thought Fate was playing games with me.

Ouch, Maiya hissed, wincing.

Theres more. The Ashen lands shift. I saw only glimpses of it in the distance, but reality is broken in that realm. It fits well with the theme of deranged beasts. If one were to chart a course through, I fear it would be rendered useless before long.

None of this was mentioned in the record, Maiya murmured. This must be a secret of the highest order.

I know not why they would hide this information, but this is yet another reason the Ash is so dangerous. On top of the Ash Beasts. Only half of my expedition perished to prana poisoning. The other half died well before then, fighting Ash Beasts. The only reason I slipped by is because the monsters were too busy gorging on Kinjal flesh to bother with me.

Ive fought Ash Beasts near the Wall myself, Maiya said. They were the most terrifying opponents Ive ever encountered. I cant imagine how much more fearsome they must be within the Ash.

Though shed mentioned it earlier, her exploits still came as a shock to Vir. To think shed not only fought off Ash beasts, but had fought more than he had Not that it was a competition, but Vir was somewhat proud of his growth. Now he didnt know how to feel.

Regardless, Virs thoughts echoed Maiyas. The Narapazu and the Brood Matron were in a different league than other foes hed encountered. Even the Phantomblade was a tough foe.

Ash Beast strength in the Ashen Realm is incomparable. I can assure you, their lofty Balar ranks are well-earned. To fight oneeven a smaller oneis to risk death for all but the truly strong.

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A knot in Virs stomach began to tighten. So when you said theres a way through

I meant finding an Ash Gate that leads you to your destination. If you can survive the poisoning, the possibility is there. Ash Tears open and close continuously. You might even get lucky and find a gate soon after you enter that blighted place.

And to think MahadiJanaks homeis deep within there. Vir shivered. And yet, Janak, Shardul, and Ekanai all believed he would survive there.

Theres no other way? Vir asked.

Not that Im aware. Youll find no one else in the Pagan Order whos been to the Ash and survived, Im afraid.

Well, its not much, but its something, Vir said softly.

If you must go, enter near Matali, Amarat said. The beasts are weakest there, which leads me to believe it leads to a less dangerous region of the Ashen Realm. Of course, I could very well be wrong.

The elderly demon gazed at Vir. You are still young. You have your whole life to live. Do not throw it away in search of glory.

What if its not glory Im after?

Then I would advise you to act in a manner that leaves you with the least regrets. There's not a soul alive without regrets. All we can do is seek to minimize them.

Vir didnt reply, and the demon said no more.

I am here if you need me.

With those words, Amarat stood and left, leaving Maiya and Vir alone.

Several minutes passed in silence.

What will you do? Maiya asked.

I have to go.

Even though its suicide?

I dont think it will be. Not for me.

Because youre a demon?

Thats part of it, Vir replied. But theres more.

There was only one fact about the Ash that led him to believe themAsh Prana.

You know how I use Ash prana, right? Its why people think Im prana scorned. Because my affinitys different from the ones humans know about.

Right. Well, the Altani might. They definitely know more about magic than the rest of us, but no one knows how or why.

Maybe. Theres another nation who knows of it, though.

Oh?

You know how I can see prana, right? Turns out some of the Order demons have a similar ability.

I gotta stop being surprised by all the impossible things the Order can do. Thats wild.

Tell me about it, Vir said. Anyway, humans usually have an assortment of affinities within them. The stronger the mejai, the fewer of those other affinities they possess.

So

So every Ash Beast Ive fought had Ash prana. Only Ash prana. No other affinities.

The only exception was the Brood Matron, though that was because she consumed animals of the human realm to produce her offspring.

Youre saying that you have the same affinity as Ash Beasts do. And Ash Beasts are weakened considerably outside the Ash, Maiya said, her eyes lighting up in comprehension. Which means Youd also grow a lot stronger in the Ash!

Right. I mean, Im pretty sure there's more Ash prana in the Ashen Realm than there is here, or those beasts wouldnt be that strong. I dunno if its the dominant affinity there, but its enough to strengthen Ash Beasts. It ought to do the same to me. Hopefully.

The question was by how much, and whether his strength gains would be enough to deal with the threats there.

Vir, thats incredible! Leave it to you to become stronger in the Ash when everyone else is off dying of prana poisoning.

That might still happen. I cant say. But the custodian survived. Demons just seem to weather its effects better than humans.

Yeah, Maiya said, her expression turning sour. Id die the instant I set foot there.

Vir wasnt oblivious to Maiyas feelings. After being separated for so long, he wanted nothing more than to be together.

Yes, hed found a place with the Pagan Order, but the more he thought about it, the more he came to appreciate the bond he had with Maiya. As she said, nothing stopped him from visiting the Order whenever he wanted.

As he stared into Maiyas beautiful hazel eyes, he imagined that lifeliving in Sonams castle with Maiya, going on adventures, or even just exploring the city and Kinjal together. Enjoying a night at the pub, or snuggling on a cold night like they used to.

The weight of temptation nearly crushed Vir. But he knew well what would happen. One day, hed wake up to find Maiya dead beside him, her throat slit by Ekanai. Or worse, his makeup would slip and Kinjal would prosecute him for being a demon. Maiya might lose her station for being seen as a demon sympathizer.

Vir shut his eyes, purging that future from his thoughts. Until he came to terms with his past incarnations, there would be no peace. No happy, idyllic life with Maiya.

And even if none of those came to pass, Lord Janaks words would haunt him. The Demon Realm. What was it like? Who was he? What was the purpose of the Primordial?

Vir knew at that moment that he had to do this. Not for the Order, or for Maiya. For himself.

Ill return. This, I swear to you. I will find a way to silence these voices in my head. This destiny, whatever it is, Ill finish it. And then Ill come back.

Maiya held his gaze, even as her cheeks flushed. As I said. Ill be here.

You say that, but even I dont know how long this might take. It could be years, Maiya.

This is the part where you say dont waste your life waiting for me, Vir. You were about to say it, werent you?

I

You honestly, you oughta be a bit more selfish from time to time, Maiya said. You can tell me to wait, yknow?

I Guilt plugged his words, but he forced through regardless. Then wait for me, Maiya. Until I return.

Maiya smiled. And squeezed his hand. I will. And I have a solution. Maybe. Not like we can be together in the Ash, but maybe we can have the next best thing. When are you leaving?

Soon. As soon as possible, I think. Id rather not endanger the Order any longer than I have to.

Okay. One day. I just need a day. Can you give me that?

Sure? What are you planning? Vir asked.

Maiya cracked an impish grin. Youll see. Whatever you do, do not leave without me, okay? Ill never forgive you. Well use my Acira. Who knows? Maybe the Kinjal markings will drive away your pursuers.

No way. I wont put your life at risk. Stay out of this.

Too bad. Im gonna follow you, one way or another. If it comes to a fight, you could use some mejai support. So? Whatll it be?

Vir was about to retort but then remembered Haymis Enhance Speed orb and how much stronger itd made him in combat.

You can do support magic now?

You bet I can!

Itd mean getting to fight alongside Maiya, too a small voice in his head whispered, but he ignored it. Keeping Maiya out of danger trumped any selfish desires he had.

But knowing her, she really would follow me on her own.

If he couldnt keep her away, he could at least keep her close, couldnt he? Keep her where he could protect her if needed. In the worst case, he could always force her to flee on her own.

Alright, he said at length.

Ill follow you into the Ash if I have to.

Alright! By Janak! I swear I wont leave before you return!

Good, Maiya said, rising from the table. Now, show me the way out. Weve got so much to do, and so little time!

Vir stared at his friend, feeling very much like hed been conned.