40.5: Like Dominos

(Lai POV)

“Hey, Lai!” Came a call from behind me. “I heard what happened to Brea. Such a shame.” I let out a quite sigh as I turned around.

“Good afternoon Minister Chu.” The man was bouncing down the halls with an absurd level of happiness. Out of all the Church officials this is the man I wish to interact with the least. “What may I do for you?” I forced my face to remain passive.

“Aw, come on there is no reason to be stiff. I mean it is just us.” He glanced around the hall purposefully and gave a conspiratorial grin. “Now why don’t you tell old Chu all about it. I’m sure it will make you feel better.”

“I have already told My Solace about it. There is no need to inform you, Minister Chu.” I said evenly. “If that is all I have some work to attend to.”

“No no, that isn’t all. Have you heard about the Priest from Vasa?” He asked the smile never leaving his face. “It is quite a sad tale. The poor Priest had a horrible vision and collapsed. Had to leave the Calgary. Apparently his vision had to do with his daughter.” My frowned deepened.

“What is truly interesting is that there are traces of Holy magic being used and knife wounds on his body. It looked like he was nailed to the floor and tortured.” This is news to me. I only knew that Priest Oras had retired. “After talking to the people at the Vasa Church it was found out that a lady knight with white hair and pink eyes had visited him that day.”

Minister Chu’s eyes were sharp as they watched me. “Now Lai it would help me very much if you could tell me about your captive… Lave was it, that escaped after killing Brea.” I couldn’t help the shiver that ran down my spine at the reminder of that monster.

“Minister Chu I do not see why you need to know this.”

“As you know we captured ‘Lave’ in Vasa and had her sent here in chains.” He watched me closely. “She was claimed to be a demon and in fact took out many guards and knights in Vasa before she was captured by the head knight there. She was unconscious for a full day here before you could talk to her.” Minister Chu smiled sharply. “I need the story from there if you wouldn’t mind.”

The memory of her sitting leisurely against the wall of the cell chained and smiling, flashed through my head. She acted not unlike I would imagine Minister Chu would if he was in her position. “I had just started interrogating her when Minister Brea came in causing a fuss. She seemed oddly unaffected by the whole situation. As if she found it amusing.” I remembered her laugh and shinning blood red eyes. Thinking back it was as if she was playing with him.

“She killed Minister Brea while she was still chained to the wall. As to how you will have to go ask My Solace. He has informed me to keep that a secrete. Though I would like to give you a word of advice.” Her words flashed through my head. ‘Check your books about creatures of water.’ “Do not think of her as a Demon. She is a Monster. One from the tales before Demons. The ones that we do not talk about or even whisper about any more. Your assassins are nothing but toys for her. I suggest you leave it to this Hero that we have summoned. Though I doubt even he can kill her.”

With that I turned and walked away. The library that is where I need to go. While there are not many books left on the old monsters before the Demons, the few that exist are held here. The Solace has finally lifted my house arrest. This means that I am free to learn what she is. ‘You asked to know what I am. Look in your books about creatures of water. Maybe you will find your answer.’ The words echoed along with the image of her sucking on Minister Brea’s finger.

If the Monsters are coming back I would rather be ready then pretend they are Demons. I have doubts that this Hero we summoned will be able to do anything to the Monsters. Especially to her.

I could hear Minister Chu walk off in the other direction after a tsk. He will try I know it but there is nothing we mortals can do. May Imperious help us because the Solace is playing with things he should not.

~~~

(Hero Kim POV)

 

It has been two weeks since I came to this world. Two whole weeks. Everyday is filled with training and fighting. I know this is to prepare me for when the Demons come, but it is a bit much. I have gone from your everyday average student to a ‘Hero’.

The people here are really nice. However the food… You can’t just go from wonderful spicy flavor rich food to whatever this is. I mean I am under no delusions that I can get Mei Goreng or Thai Curry, but what the hell is this.

There isn’t even rice. Its all bread! I glared at the food in front of me in an attempt to change it to something else. Anything else! But it resolutely refused to change. It stayed very bland almost flavorless meat and peas.

Why! Why is it like this! I poked the steaming meat with my fork and tried to work up an appetite. What is wrong with this country and food. Who the hell thought that this level of cooking would be ok to serve people!

“Master Kim is the food not to your liking?” Asked Edge. He has really been a huge help since I came here. Kidnapped. You were kidnapped.

I tried to smile. “Ah, well it is very… different to what I am used to.” People have been rushing around for the past few days but Edge has been really kind and stuck with me. He really doesn’t need to hear about my grumbling over food. He is your minder Kim. Of course he is with you. He needs to make sure you do what they want.

“I see.” Edge looked thoughtful. “I can ask the kitchen to make something else.”

“No, no. It is fine. This is perfectly good to eat.” You should really look around for answers about these people Kim. I twitched slightly at the my sister’s voice. She has been going none stop since I have got here. I am almost convinced I’m going crazy. It is never good to hear voices. How rude and here I am trying to help.

“We should go to the training field to work on your foot work after this.” Edge said while eating. “It seems like we do not have as much time as I hoped to train you. The Demons are on the move and we need to be as ready as possible before they come.” See Kim that is just fishy. You should try to find a way to escape from your minder. Ask questions, look around.

“Of course Edge. That sounds like a great plan.” I smile ignoring the voice. Oh, for the love of… I will just have to find a way to come get you. Just wait little brother you big sister is coming to bail you out. A shiver ran up my spine at those words.

 

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