The gate of Shadfer is – surprisingly – intact, though its purpose is now somewhat questionable considering how a large section of the formerly thirty foot wall – not twenty feet from the gates – now stands barely higher than a man. Beyond that shortened section of wall smoke is still rising, though in much lesser quantities now. More importantly the area outside the tightly shut gate is completely devoid of humanity – well aside the scorched remains of a few unfortunates – no sign of that infernal queue line. As my party and I approach, a crack appears in the massive wooden doors and they are thrown wide – the iron portcullis behind them rising into the stone above.

While we wait for the door I – still leaning heavily against Pink – remember something.

“Pink, did you cast your spell? The Chain may well be among the doves and one of their cities is nearby.” I ask.

“I did.” Her eyes flash angrily. “But there is some sort of shielding effect, my magic returns no information – if you'd like I could chase those wretches down and …question them. They are likely still exhausted from today's exertions, it would be easy-”

“No. No need for that Pink. We will not be opening any further hostilities with the doves – I have judged that they are more valuable to us alive – and they should have been sufficiently impressed with the hopelessness, and wastefulness, of combat with us after today. Hopefully that will stay their hands and if not …well I am perusing other avenues. For now we can safely put the machinations of the Celestials from our minds.” I say.

“I see. Understood mistress.” Pink responds smoothly, even as heavy iron grate finally fully disappears up into the wall.

Revealed is a large group of humans – maybe thirty men and women – all wearing matching armor, simple iron plate. Imperial soldiers, I remember vaguely, and at their head are some familiar faces – that scrawny and pale wizard, the tired looking duke, and his son. The duke looks tired as ever but today he is wearing heavy plate armor under his long gray cloak, a sword at his side and a shield strapped to his back – everyone assembled is dressed for war. I look around for the pretty woman in red – the one who failed to warn me of the Celestial attack, thinking about it – and spot her nimbly descending from the city wall above us, apparently she'd been watching the festivities from up there.

It seems there have been festivities taking place in here too, I note idly. Because surrounding the humans are a number of corpses – monster corpses, each with tell-tale holes where their crystal hearts were extracted. A fascinating little menagerie, odd and oversize bat-like creatures with huge hook-like claws on their wings, four legged canines with a ridged row of spines running down their backs, massive insects – dismembered too thoroughly to make much of their corpses – and a huge bear looking thing with two shiny and metallic forepaws. Also a small row of covered – presumably human – corpses.

As we enter the city proper the duke lifts his eyes from the carnage around him and raises his hand in greeting.

“Lady Alexandria, welcome back. When I got word you were planning to exit the city …this is not the result I was expecting.” The duke says slowly. His eyes are hard but not accusatory – mostly he just looks exhausted. I can sympathize.

At my side Pink bristles, ready to launch into some impassioned speech in my defense no doubt. Before she can though, Mattis speaks up.

“Duke Clearwater, the tragedy that has befallen your city today cannot be blamed on Lady Alexandria – in fact during the unprompted aggression from the Celestial Chorus, that I was shamefully a part of, I personally witnessed her using a grand magic to defend the city. Please do not act rashly.” Unexpectedly the “Hero” speaks in my defense. I supposed it's true I did technically defend this city – though it was more due to my distraction at that time than any particular goodwill. It's good that the city and the people helping me within it survived I suppose.

“It was not my intent to reproach the Lady, from what we could see from the walls it was clearly not her who was responsible for-” The duke seems to notice who he's talking to suddenly. “…Ironside? What are you doing here? I'd heard you were dispatched to Kline's Reach…”

“Indeed. We had just received those orders in Highmont when Aurora arrived and bandied about her ancient treaties. The Emperor had little choice but to order us to accompany her here, we simply cannot afford to raise the ire of the Chorus.” A sneer forms on his lips. “We were the only ones available with the strength to contribute to Aurora's campaign – aside The Emperor's Royal Guard – so we were sent …and The Frontline was left naked. Hopefully Aurora will deign to transport us back, now that her little conflict seems to have been resolved for better or worse.”

All the humans turn their heads at this. Craning their necks to the sky to look at the huge flying city. It has ascended to a great height and is now just hovering there, high among the clouds.

“Will The First Plume be joining us soon then?” The redheaded woman – Chelsea, I remember – asks.

“I don't know.” Mattis responds slowly. “I doubt they're going anywhere. It will take some time for the Hal'Trinneth to recover, much of her energy was expended today and she sustained massive damage – the Chorus will be working day and night to restore the damaged Runes on her belly. And we all know Aurora is ever reluctant to enter any situation where she does not firmly posses the upper hand, her actions today have been most unlike her.

“Also, she may have been scared off of approaching any place the Demon Lord is known to be.” He casts a sidelong glance at me as he says that, to which I return an imperious shrug.

“She had better come down here.” Duke Clearwater's voice is low and angry – his eyes fixed on the distant city. “She can't just lay waste to half of my city and disappear into the sunset – we have treaties, an alliance. Bah. I've already sent word to Highmont, we'll just have to wait and see for now. It's unfortunate though. We could really have used her help.”

“Indeed, the city seems more in disarray than a bit of fire would merit. Has something happened?” Pink asks. Referring to the distant sounds of combat I can hear, even now as we speak.

“Yes. That beam of light cut through a great many warehouses on the eastern end of the city. On top of destroying a large portion of our food reserves, many of the Adventurer's Guild storehouses were destroyed. Storehouses containing the Unbound Cores they gather. And then …what did you say happened Octavio?” The duke asks, his face grim.

“Spontaneous regeneration milord.” The high strung man is unusually subdued in his response. “Its long been speculated that given enough time, untended Unbound Cores could fully regenerate into the Unbound Monsters they were pulled from. And now we have confirmation, it's quite amazing actually, a breakthrough that might help us unravel the mysteries of the Unbound – if not for the rather dire circumstances. At any rate the Celestial magic destroyed the seals on the cores within the Adventurer's Guild storehouses and now the city is being overrun with every monster the Adventurer's Guild has hunted in the last year.” Octavio concludes somberly.

“Mm, that explains the unpleasantness in the air.” I murmur. Pink hears me and throws me a worried glance.

“If your adventurer's killed those monsters in the first place, surely they can do so again?” Pink asks.

“Every man and woman who can swing a sword – and more than a few that can't – are out in the streets doing just that right now Lady Pink. When it became clear they wouldn't be needed for …whatever that was outside the city, I set every solider under my command to the task. But it is the accumulation of a full years worth of Unbound Cores – I've no doubt we'll bring the beasts to heel, but the cost will be high.

In fact, most of the reason I stationed myself here was so that I could – personally – implore whomever emerged from your fight for help with the Unbound loose in the city. To that end, can we expect any support from you? Lady Alexandria? This is outside the scope of our previous arrangement but I will be of little use to you if my city is reduced to rubble.” The duke is completely unabashed as he makes his request – looking straight at me as he asks. Even as he admits he didn't care who he had to “implore”, Aurora or I. As I thought I rather like this kind of human, so direct in his desires – not that I'll be helping him with his ridiculous problem of course.

Actually… Looking behind me I remember my new recruits. They have pretty much no ability and no experience – entirely reliant on me to fight. In the battle with the tree I'd been forced to draw up the Runes for them – they had merely focused on maintaining the existence of their Runes and channeling my power through them to achieve devastating effect. In short a bit of combat experience would probably be quite useful for them – and with their bodies, strengthened by my magic and my blessing, it's highly unlikely that something a human could kill would ever pose any significant threat.

“Pink, the feeling of corruption in the air is highly unpleasant and leaving the safekeeping of the Unbound Cores to the humans seems unwise. The experience will probably be valuable for Marvel and Emma too, so I need you to handle this.” I command.

At my side Pink nods enthusiastically.

“I'm grateful for your assistance Lady Alexandria.” The duke's eyes wander past me and over to the two halves. “May I ask who these two might be – I was under the impression you were operating with a rather severe lack of manpower.”

“Hmm... let's just call them an advance on my earlier promise – investigating whether humans and beastkin might be trained to properly channel demonic energy.” I turn to regard the pair as well, causing them huddle a bit closer together under the scrutiny. “Obviously these two received something of a personal touch due to the rather unique situation, so don't expect any of your men to sprout horns or wings.”

A complex expression appears on the dukes face.

“So these two are Imperial citizens?” He asks carefully.

“No.” My wings flare as I speak. “They are mine. They have been gifted with something irrecoverable, whatever ties they may have had in the past have been severed. If you start prattling about conscription…” I let my unspoken annoyance hang in the air. Slightly overstating my level of investment in hopes the stubborn man will drop the topic.

“I see. Is that correct?” He directs the question, not to me, but to the two huddled halves. Who exchange confused glances, unsure how to respond. So annoying. I squeeze Pink's arm in an effort to get her to intercede here – I'm tired of talking. Why did I even start trying to communicate with the insect in the first place?

“Is the say so of my lady insufficient for you human?” Pink cuts in before either of them can respond. A dangerous undercurrent in her voice. The duke meets her eyes, seemingly unintimidated. They glare at each other for a moment before the duke breaks eye contact first.

“No. I suppose it will have to be enough.” He mutters tiredly.

“Good.” Pink practically preens at her tiny victory. “Then we will begin dealing with the Unbound – Martin, Emily, with me. I trust you will see to my ladies accommodations in the meantime, Ser Duke.”

He nods, his face brightening at the change of topic. “Yes, I can manage that much – my Manor was spared the Celestial fire, you will find your room as you left it Lady Alexandria. Gordan, take Tiller and Frye and escort the lady home.”

He gives rapid orders to his son beside him.

“Understood father.” Gordan replies.

“Milord, are we truly going-” Octavio begins to speak.

“Be silent Octavio, we cannot afford your foolishness here.” The elder Clearwater cuts him off immediately. “Just make yourself comfortable Lady Alexandria, we will resolve this crisis. The rest of you, we're joining the extermination efforts. Mattis, I hope we can count on you and your party as well?” He asks, unlimbering his weapon and shield. The assembled soldiers make various noises of acknowledgment, hands moving to their weapons.

“Of course Duke Clearwater. While it's urgent we set off for The Frontline, it will probably be faster to wait for the Celestials to ferry us there – until then you have my blade.” The gravelly voiced Hero responds.

“You needn't worry about a thing mistress – I will personally see this resolved before the night is through.” Pink's smile is positively sinister in the low evening light. I wonder if that's actually possible – given the sheer quantity of tiny flecks of corruption I sense all around me. Whatever, Pink will handle it.

“Ah. Wait. You.” I point at the golden haired girl with the cat-like ears. “With me.”

Prompting a multitude of surprised and confused expressions. The girl in question just looks blank and stunned. Marco at her side looks upset, ready to speak up. Pink in particular looks stricken – as if she's just received a blow.

“Mistress? Did you need one of us by your side? I will stay with you, if that is wha-” Pink recovers first, speaking rapidly.

“I need you handling this …whatever it is.” I wave my hand vaguely as I speak. “The humans have need of your combat ability – and Markus needs someone to guide him properly. She will suffice.”

“Alexandria, I pledged to serve you b-but she is different. My sister didn't make any agreements! You can't just use her like this.” Now the boy is speaking… I sigh.

“Actually Malek, you will find that I can. Now you.” I point at her again. “With me.”

“It's fine Martin. Don't worry. It will be fine.” The girl whispers to the boy, before turning and walking over to my side. Her face is nearly expressionless – for the boy's sake probably – but her trembling shoulders slightly ruin the effect.

With that we disperse. Pink, first casting her old spell to improve her various senses, leads Melvin away in one direction, following the guidance of her vastly improved senses to seek out the monsters. Merkel sends one last long look at Emilea and I, his face tight with worry, before Pink shoves him unceremoniously around a corner and out of sight. Meanwhile Duke Clearwater and a handful of his men have activated some sort of irritating holy magic, fortifying their bodies and coating their weapons in dim white light – before leading the whole assembly back up the main street of the Lows.

Only Gordan and his two men remain with Emily and I.

“Then, this way Lady Alexandria. The route we will take is the same one my father used when bringing us here and is slightly circumspect – but hopefully still clear of the Unbound.” Gordan says, his face painted with evident relief at the prospect.

The two soldiers take up position in front of us, leading our party down another of the cities winding roads. At my side the pretty beastkin girl – still in robes marking her as an acolyte of my long dead Order that Pink produced from somewhere – moves with casual grace, long legs taking nimble and nearly silent steps. The effect only slightly ruined by her obvious trembling. Most curious is how her triangular ears twitch and move above her head – jerking to and fro in response to the sounds of distant combat – it's slightly mesmerizing to watch. Sometimes she spots a corpse or a particularly large pile of gore and flinches – her complexion pallid in the low light.

The streets of the Lows are in an even worse state then the last time I walked through them, earlier today. The sun has finally dipped low enough that one of Gordan's men has produced a torch and its fragile light reveals rather gruesome sights. Now alongside the litter and filth that are typical of these streets, there is also blood and viscera scattered everywhere – evidence of intense fighting everywhere you look – fresh corpses of monsters and humans alike left where they fell. Most of the human corpses are not of the armored variety, civilians most likely, but none of them seem to have died helplessly – dull iron weapons glint back at us from all around, in many cases still clutched in the hands of their fallen owners. The people of Shadfer were ready for a fight – but not ready enough for these poor fools.

At my side Elizabeth keeps sending me surreptitious glances. It's especially obvious because I'm unabashedly staring back at her, my eyes captivated by her frantically twitching ears. By her tiny nub horns. By her tail that swishes from side to side with each step she takes. By her single black wing. By her stoic face with it's cute and slightly wet-looking nose. Such an odd mixture! Her features are quite similar to those of a cat – I'm tempted to ask her about it, is there some relation? Are her people descended from cats? Cross-bred with cats? Soft to the touch like cats? So many questions. I've seen beastkin before of course, but on Artas I only ever saw their warriors. Soldiers come from afar on one of their Grand Crusades, and before I came to Suprema I had never seen the beasts they were kin to – or thought to ask about it.

“…Alexandria, is it? May I ask why you had me accompany you?” Suddenly she speaks in a dull tone, breaking the silence that has covered our trek – perhaps sensing my scrutiny.

At her words Gordan looks around nervously, peering up and down the narrow alley we are currently traversing. There is nothing for him to see though, save the body of one of those odd spined creatures – pinned against one wall by an iron spear. Even the sounds of fighting have grown considerably distant.

“Indeed, Alexandria is my name. Use it if that is your wish. You have my permission. As for why... well come now, you expect me to entirely reliant on humans to escort me?” I ask.

“…I don't think I am any more capable than the Imperial soldiers – I understand I have an obligation to fulfill – but if you expect me to fight there is little I can do but die.” Her voice is flat, nearly as expressionless as her face.

“Hah. Any foe a human could defeat, you could defeat I assure you. With your bare hands most likely. I know you haven't had much time to adjust – but I have fundamentally remade you Erica, stronger and better than any mere human.” I say.

Not even strictly a lie. The influx of my power did make rather far reaching physical changes – in both of my new servants, but her especially – even if that was not entirely intentional. At my words the girl raises her hands in front of her, staring down at her palms. After a moment she clenches them into fists.

“…I can't deny you've given me …power. Maybe, as you say, I will 'adjust' but …it's hard. I've spent my entire life unable to walk, suddenly telling me I'm stronger than any human… it's difficult to accept.” She speaks with great deliberation, her voice oddly stiff.

“Unable to walk? How odd.” I say, considering her words. I had assumed her state – free of legs, generally blackened by holy fire – when I first met her had been a recent development. Apparently not.

“Right – the little orphan girl with no legs, that's me. Not fit even for conscription.” Her voice is slightly raw, that inflectionless drone disappearing. “And my name is Emily.” She levels a fierce glare at me as she says that – meeting my eyes for the first time. Well the fiercest glare such an nonthreatening creature can produce.

“…Emily. I'll remember that.” I murmur, meeting her gaze evenly. We've stopped moving to glare at each other and around us our escorts seem nervous – but unwilling to intercede.

She holds my eyes without faltering, until I begin to reconsider my stance slightly. I've never bothered to learn the names of the little wretches that cling to my legs – in all my years atop my throne – but the situation has changed, hasn't it? Considering what I expect of her – remembering a name is a small price. So it is I who look away first, gesturing impatiently for Gordan to continue leading us – a task he jumps to with enthusiasm.

“You are not yet worthy of a Name, girl – but if that day comes, I will remember. Until then I will make an effort to address you properly …however, it has been long since I concerned myself with such niceties – you will just have to endure if I forget to show you the respect you deserve.” I speak without looking at her and by the end my words are practically a sneer. Even though I was trying to be nice… it always turns out like this… oh well…

“Oh, thank you! Since you seem to intend for me to wait on you hand and foot like a slave – I'm so grateful you've decided to honor me by going out of your way to remember my name. You haven't even looked at me since your servant – Pink – pulled us from those circles. I understand, you helped me!, I know that, but that does not give you the right to expect – what – eternal servitude? From Martin either!” For some reason emboldened, some emotional dam burst – the girl is ranting. Gordan has stopped moving again, and is looking at the girl like she just grew a second head. Just as I decided on lenience… this. Slowly I turn back to face her.

“You've already forced me to fight for you once – brought me face to face with death more times than I can count! Do you see this? Did you even know it happened? How... how many times it happened?” She yanks hard on the collar of her robe, exposing an angry purple bruise that wraps thick around her throat – the result of some errant tendril of wood no doubt. “Am I supposed to be thankful when you save my life – only to immediately try to kill me? I've seen what you can do, you have no need of something like me, all I can do for you is die …right?! That's what you told Pink isn't it?” Her eyes, looking at me, are wide and terrified. Composing myself – with effort – I step toward her.

“Kill me then, if you m-must. I am an Imperial citizen, and you cannot just… I am Free. I have rights. Y-you can't just take me.” Her voice is cracking and breaking – tears appearing in her eyes. “You can kill me, but you cannot make me… you can't make me fight those things again. I don't have the strength…” Her whole body is trembling – tears streaming down her cheeks.

“…like being caught in a web …surrounded by evil and the stench of the grave. You can't. You can't make me. I will never. Never again. I'll die first. You'll have to kill me.” She isn't even talking to me anymore. Glassy eyed and muttering incoherently, lost in memories. So I grab her by the shoulder. Which seem to shake her awake a bit – her eyes focusing on me at least.

“…you'll have to kill me…” She mutters drunkenly.

I pick her up and slam her into a nearby wall. We're in the Lows – so the wall is attached to a crumbling and ramshackle building – and the force is enough to drive her straight through in a shower of splinters and wood dust. Then I just hold her there by her collar, her feet an inch or two off the ground. Her sobbing stops – she just stares down at me with a dazed expression, her body tough enough that something of this level is nothing.

“There. You've just suffered more damage than any creature loose in this city could inflict – I guarantee it – you are in no danger.” I lie. “Your strength is more than sufficient. And I need that strength – to save this world.

“But if the mere thought of the Unbound unnerves you to this degree – reduces you to a sobbing wreck – I have no use for you. I will not bind you to my service. If you wish, you may stay – frolic among the humans – I'm sure they will be glad to make use of you. My accord was with Martin alone, and one is nearly as good as two. Besides it's not as if the humans won't want to use you in the exact same way I do, to combat the exact same problems. Of course, if you stay with me – you will be able to make far better use of your powers, be taught the kinds of things human kings dream of learning – in exchange for what? Something you will ultimately be made to do, no matter where you go?

But the choice is yours, Emily.” I say to the girl's tear-stained face. Before pulling her free of the wall and gently setting her down.

Those are the realities after all. I don't think I would even particularly mind if she left to be conscripted by the humans, we do share a common foe after all …well, obviously I'd prefer not to just let something I invested my precious time and energy into waltz away – and normally I would just kill her for her insubordination. But for some reason that thought turns my stomach a bit – she looks a bit too much like family as she is now, or like what my family might have looked like if any of them had been cute at all. A nostalgic sort of appearance.

“…I …I don't think I can… It's just too much…” A silent tear makes its way down her face as she whispers those words.

“Well, think about it. We have time, I plan to be in this city for some time yet. Come to whatever decision you may.” I declare, turning away and stalking forward once more – trying to hide my bad mood. Why can't all my servants just be ...agreeable?

We set out again, a grim sort of silence hanging over our group – Emily silently falling into step behind us. Gordan and his men regard her with flinty eyes, not sympathetic in the least it seems. Which is perhaps to be expected, given the warlike nature of this country – but it makes the trek that much more uncomfortable. Something I really don't need honestly, considering the multitude of annoyances currently surrounding me. So I feel a small measure of relief when I spot the massive second pair of gates – that lead into Shadfer's Upper districts. The journey is nearly over. Gordan as well seem happy, a smile appearing on his face as he leads us into the courtyard before the gate.

As we enter though, his smile disappears, and I am assaulted by a terrible stench. This place is little more than a graveyard. Scattered around the gates – which have been thrown wide – are numerous bodies of armored Imperial soldiers. A great many of them are pierced and punctured in many places, pinned to wooden walls and stone cobbles, by massive organic spears. The spears are everywhere, stuck haphazardly in the doors and doorways, in and through windows and walls all around the courtyard, each about two meters long, oozing an ominous purple liquid.

That purple liquid is smeared all over the courtyard – especially thick directly before the gate – like the trail of ooze left by a snail. It's also the cause of the terrible smell, causing the corpses to decompose much more quickly than is natural – the resulting spectacle is stomach-turning and even I feel a bit uncomfortable seeing all these humans in various states of death. Behind me I can hear someone – Emily? – vomiting.

Thud

One of the doors on the western side of the courtyard – pierced by a pair of those spears – suddenly opens wide and an armored man emerges, this one whole and intact.

“Reinforcements? Finally! Thank Kirn! Did Clearwater finally catch wind of that monstrosity? Why the hell was something like that allowed to approach the Upper district? Why was there even a Knight Class Unbound in the city in the first place?” The man begins babbling.

“Solider, what's happened here? Report!” Gordan's voice is panicky as he hails the other human.

“What? Report?” The strangely familiar voice sounds confused – the man behind it still approaching. “You mean to tell me you aren't reinforcements? By the Gods, what is the duke doing? A Knight Class Unbound passed through, into the Upper district, nearly thirty minutes ago! …I heard fighting coming from up there at first but I haven't heard anything for some time now.” The man says.

“Y-you just let a Knight Class Unbound through your position – into the Upper district?” Gordan sounds aghast.

“Kid, I don't know what kind of Hero you are – but for folk like me …there was nothing I could do – I'm just lucky to be alive.” As he says that the man enters the range of our torch, the long scar on the right side of his face even more ugly in the torchlight.

Ah. I recognize this human – one of the few I consider noteworthy – his name was …Karr? I can feel a slightly bloodthirsty smile sprouting on my face, almost unconsciously.