"Damn, I thought it would last longer..." Ceron looked to his shoulder grimacing, Travis's body began to reappear, its translucent hue lessened, materializing the potion's effects weakened. The outside world saw his unconscious body once more. Beth noticed this, perched her back desperately trying to escape, with fear however she barely moved an inch, only raising a smirk on Ceron's face. Paying her no heed Ceron reached into Beth's pockets, "What have we here?" Grasping a metallic object pulling out a small key with brass coating. Countless engravings lined the keys end, forming a triple fork, a gold sheen produced from its center where a bright gem dwelled, circular in shape it sat on each side flat. The back had a ring carved out, seemingly for a chain. Inspecting the key the numbers "331" etched on its sides in bold. "Room numbers?" Thinking Ceron pocketed the key then looked down at Beth.

Squirming, as Ceron grabbed her head tightening on Beth's hair she screamed, but nobody came as she was dragged.

...

There was an ominous sliding, screaming emanating from beyond their doors to all peering ears it shook. However, none came as those who defy are forsaken, within the hallways depths three figures resided by a door, one towering the others who seemed worse for wear. Ceron loomed over the door. "This is it." spotting the numbers "331" embellished on its door frame, with an amber coating lining them. Ceron raised his hand, feeling the wooden door. "I can't feel any magical barrier." he thought, pressed his ear to the door checking for any sounds lurking within yet there was none. Leaning back, Ceron pulled out the brass key from his pocket, gripping it tightly placing it within the doors lock. With a swift motion twisting the handle a crisp metallic sound rang, the handle jolted. "At least this key works." Ceron thought, putting it once more in his pocket.

Ceron looked at Beth who recently passed out, Travis lying at his feet both unconscious in worrisome states. Leaning down he hefted Travis over his shoulder. "Better safe, there could be traps.. but" Ceron shaking his head glanced at Beth. "She might be too stupid for that." Ceron used Travis's body to open the door, slowly he inspected the interior door frame checking for any marks. "Nothing there but it's better to be safe.." Without remorse Ceron quickly threw Travis, with a loud thud his body slammed onto the wooden flooring leaving a small indent, some wood chips dashed from the surface. "Seems to be no traps." With haste, a slight smirk Ceron pulled Beth into the room, before closing the door he looked both ways gazing down the halls checking for any pursuers.

With a firm shove, twisting the handle Ceron locked the door behind him. Coming into his gaze the room seemed akin to his with very similar features. In its core, a large wooden table resided a deep mahogany with golden trims on its legs. Within the center of the table, a pentagram was etched, with marble fillings in place. Adding to the table were various test tubes, beakers; potioneering devices, stuffed with a multitude of plants, ingredients ranging in size, variety, and color some were intertwined with weird organs of animals constantly thumping. What's more, giant flowers decorated with eyes on its stock glared at Ceron approaching.

Softly nearing the tables cusp, beyond an assortment of ingredients filling his eyes a ragged stench wafted curling his nose. Towering over the table, after noticing this oddity of goods Ceron streaked his hand across the table's surface, feeling a soft powder lining the edges. Once doing so brought his hand up, in a quick motion rubbed this powder coating between his fingers, now stained white. "I've never seen ingredients like this before." Ceron spoke in a low voice, intrigued at the peculiar's in front of him.

"Hmph.." Shaking his hand, clearing it from the powder, Ceron darted around surveying what laid within, catching his view there laid a brown satchel near the far edge. It looked worn out, from leather of an unknown animal a slight gloss shined from it white lines coating its body. It also seemed quite thin with not much protruding, brimming with curiosity Ceron pulled the satchel closer, by its worn strap.

Bringing it closer Ceron flipped the satchel open, revealed various blue flasks and translucent crystals dyed a black hue with red trims. Looking closer Ceron inspected both of these oddities, "I assume this is the concoction you used before is it not?" he thought while glancing towards Beth's still unconscious state continuing his gaze shifted to the crystals. "A less refined magic crystal, it's not purified enough to be worth the ones I have still... Doesn't hurt to have more." Finishing Ceron plucked numerous ingredients from the table and those inside the satchel, stuffing his bag.

The room was indeed very similar, however unlike the one Asriel previously resided in, numerous paintings hung obscuring the walls decorated with strange pictures of flowers, other unknown plants. Probing the room Ceron found that it was pristine, almost no dust had taken shelter. Cleaner than his room was, and obviously extra lavish alluding to Beth's wealth, further adding to this golden lace waved above the bed. Which itself was more exquisite, thicker sheets donned seemingly made out of quality materials.

Ceron mulled, his face reflected an ashen expression. "There should be more, this amount of crystals wouldn't suffice for such a display of goods. Someone with this should have a lot more" Walking around the room his eyes went aflame, glaring towards Beth on the floor. Towering over, Ceron grabbed Beth with both hands shaking her, yet to no avail she still laid unconscious... Or that what she would've liked him to think Ceron heard her breathing, albeit faint it didn't escape him. Gazing upon her face, slight twitching revealed itself as if mocking him. "You think I don't notice, you faking I'm not that much of a fool."

...

Silence reigned, Beth remained static unmoved by his words. Only howling wind emanated from the windowsill, rustling tree branches. "Still refusing to talk?" Ceron said in a somber tone still towering over, with a wicked expression. "I see." Intending to end this facade Ceron pulled the dagger from before. The blade shone eerily refracting the surrounding light Beth's image was sealed within its glimmer, Ceron let out a deep sigh. Ceron raised his arm up, then with haste quickly brought it down in an instant piercing Beth's palm wedging itself on the wooden flooring, a loud crack sounded. Engulfed with sudden pain Beth jolted and screamed, shivering her palm soaked with blood, but that's not worried her nor Asriel above it was her inability to move.

"Let me go. you swine!" Beth exclaimed, glaring at Asriel enraged. Ceron sneered slightly, putting more weight onto the blade. "That's no way to treat your betters." Ceron spoke mockingly, "I may take pity, let you go if you tell me where the rest of your crystals are." Gritting her teeth Beth tried to resist, getting up but she couldn't like before however, A bluish hue caught Beth's ire enveloping her entirety… "What have you done to me Asriel?!?" ... "It's just a minor restraining potion I've concocted, someone of your potioneering be able to understand no?" Ceron smiled, grabbing the dagger's hilt, retracting it from Beth's palm whom made slight cries in this action.

The blade drew near, encroaching Beth's neck Ceron had pressed its cold steel to almost slicing the skin. Trickles of sweat drenched her forehead as she gazed into his piercing eyes. "My patience wanes, tell me where have you hidden the other crystals?" ... "You'd know wouldn't you?" Beth snarled, perching her back in contempt. "Have you gone insane!? You already took them-" Her screaming quickly came to a halt as Ceron inched his blade up slightly crimson dripped.

Ceron raised his brow. "Don't try and make a mockery of me, I know you have more than what I had... Obtained previously." Beth gulped, watching Asriel continue. "You wouldn't send someone better than Travis? He's a poor excuse for a collector." ..."I hope you chose your next response wisely." Ceron said glaring at Beth, who now shivered, glancing towards Travis's unconscious body. Seeing her uncooperative state Ceron lifted the blade over the hand he had previously bore into, hovered just above Beth's index finger. Seeing this a cold sensation shot up her spine, sprouting worry within Beth's heart. "Ok... I'll show you where the rest are." With an ashen expression, Beth uttered her words of sorrow, nodding at Asriel.

Within moments the bluish hue restraining most of her body dissipated, jittering Beth was able to move although with movement her face turned flush, shuttered in pain. Leaning up she pointed towards an elaborate painting on the wall, above the bed. "T-There" Beth with cobbled words motioned Asriel to the painting, still he remained motionless. "It won't be that easy." Ceron said, turning his head back to Beth on the floor. Looking at Beth motionless, then scoffed. "I'm not that trusting." Leaning down he clutched her shoulder pulling Beth from the ground and instantly pushed her towards the painting.

Pushed in front Beth was greeted with the wall, painting from the glass reflection she could see Asriel's piercing gaze with the dagger around his waist. "Is this how you treat all of your cousins Asriel?" Beth mocked, trying to raise emotion within him. ... Cousins?.. Ceron thought before quickly retorting "Hmph only those who try to kill me." Beth's hands momentarily froze then shortly approached the painting, running her fingers across its edges, stopped midway feeling a sharp pin. Tensing up she pressed down and slid it within her palm, a thud followed with a metallic winding emanated beyond the painting, soon it shook as Beth released her grip the painting began to flip revealing a hidden compartment.

Slowly sliding the compartment open Beth retracted her hands, resting them at waist level. Beth's face sharpened, rapid breathing came tranquil. I'll kill him. She inwardly thought while smirking... "Here they are." Beth gestured with one hand while keeping the other firmly at her side out of view. Ceron slowly approached looking past Beth, near the windowsill she stood in front of, he lightly huffed while walking past. Ceron nearing the compartment, inspecting the interior, the insides became clear yet unlike he had expected no crystals laid but only various papers were strewn, some pertaining to land deeds... And a yellow crescent moon that donned the walls. "The same crescent moon from the alleyway." Ceron thought, concentrating on his surroundings.

Beth's ire spiked, her seething intent grew as she saw the chance with Asriel's back turned. A devilish grin surfaced as she raised the sharp pin, intending to take him by surprise. Silently Beth tensed, quickly extended her arm thrusting towards the nape of Asriel's Neck. Bolting using all of her force, the distance was closed almost immediately yet that was her fatal mistake. Soon as she was within distance, Asriel had moved sidestepping, it was not an illusion like she had thought. "Did you really think that would work?" Ceron mocked clutching Beth's wrist, slight cracking was heard followed by a loud snap, Beth let out a desperate scream, her wrist like many other parts were crushed... "Someone in your position shouldn't smirk." Losing grip the weapon she held soon fell to the ground, like its master who now rested on their knees.

The room turned cold, much of the outside light had vanished seemingly quenched a dark haze lingered just beyond the window. "I dislike being made a fool of." Ceron spoke in a low tone, released Beth's wrist as he slowly gazed around the room. Soon as he had done so Beth hunched over, holding her wrist and still bleeding palm. "How naive, you became a fool the moment you had decided to turn your back on the family!" Beth retorted ragged "What's changed Asriel, where's that meek demeanor n cowardice you showed before was it all a facade?" ... "Do you think escaping the men in the alleyway made you some sort of badass? You are just wasted space." Beth laughed "You won't get anything from me."

Ceron momentarily paused, near the doorway his figure barely visible within the obscurity of shadows. Only trickling sunlight faded shone highlighting the edges of his cloak. "You right, I won't get anything from you, I'd better just kill you here now and save me trouble." His eyes shone, witnessing this Beth gulped. The room darkened further, albeit to her imagination Beth didn't know, chills ran up her spine desperately trying to move however she went limp. She had lost too much blood, her skin's complexion ghastly, cold to the touch. Slowly Ceron approached directly over her, kneeled in front facing Beth directly their eyes met. "But killing you would be a waste, and I hate wasted opportunity." Ceron smiled, "The potion you scrambled together was rather crude, unrefined and amateurish at best, I'm pretty sure I can fix that." Raising his arm Ceron placed it on her chin, lifting Beth's head "Death would be too easy, I'll find use for you as a subject of experimentation, you'd wish to have died." Chuckling Ceron let go, leaning back.

Beth went wide eyed as if daggers had pierced her heart she froze. Her already clammy skin became drenched in a layer of sweat, darting glances around the room settling on Travis. With blurred vision, she called out. "GET UP DAMN YOU HELP ME." Despite this.. Nothing had occurred, he still remained motionless unaffected by her pleas of despair. In a daze, unable to move she could only helplessly look upon Asriel's back as he walked towards the table. "S-top this!!, I'm sorry I'd rather die take. Take Travis instead not me!" ... Beth went silent finishing her cries. Ceron turned "That's the spirit!", putting the ingredients he had down. "You're in no position to make demands, pathetic at least have some dignity." Ceron jeered "You'll soon learn that nothing is forbidden to me, not even your soul.

Beth screamed, looking upon Asriel as if he was some sort of demon had possessed him, "What are you..." She said under her breath... "Quite distracting, be quiet." Ceron disgruntled approached in quick succession, clenched the base of her neck, causing Beth to pass out...

...

Hmph, how troublesome Asriel must have been. Ceron lightly sighed as he looked out the window, "Well perhaps not much as me." Time was a luxury, Ceron couldn't chuckle despite the appeasing state of those lying at the floorboard,-It will only become more difficult as I continue this path, this body has yet to ignite any magical energy.. After contemplation Ceron grabbed his rucksack as he drew to the table pulling out equipment such as beakers, flasks and filters in the same string of potioneering devices.

One requires more than wit and determination, those without proper skillsets are useless, a mage or any practitioner of magic that doesn't know the world around them is blinded by their hubris. Something small as a needle like thorn could be deadly as much to kill a room of men and maybe more, Ceron scratched his chin as he held up Beth's potion; this potion does indeed contain a remarkable resemblance if not fully a control potion of some kind, how did a girl her age be in possession of such a ware? Glancing Ceron viewed at his own potions, these few were obtained at the market and though they classed themselves as certainty it wasn't entirely the case.

An invisible potion that hag gave me actually just displaced the air, and a deadly poison she claimed was no more than a temporary muscle relaxer. Any dimwitted buffon would carelessly leave a "poisoned" Fellow to die, just to have him share drinks in the morning! It was a possibility she acquired them there, but judging from this room it could've been made here? Now it begs, was she taught it, how did she learn to do it.. Ceron pursed his lips as we recalled the room's interior; nothing glaring stood out besides the wall safe, was there documentation on this potion?.. Though I guess one could always bleed the information out of the said person by my feet, I'd rather not have this room become an opera of screams.

Mmm.. Though if one were to cut her tongue stuff that bitches mouth and have her write it down... Ah' I'll leave that as my last resort. Some say torture is in no way effective, I'd say they weren't trying hard enough.

Nothing feels worse than having roaches eat from the inside out repeatedly with restoration magic, or one's eye cavity be prickled though, this is with one's sense of touch heightened beyond normal human comprehension with the use of chemicals and a tinge of sensory deprivation.

What? A little harsh psycho maybe, but hell she attacked me first! This body would've passed on without my interference.- A flash of pain rushed as Ceron grimaced, still not dismayed he continued to move… Still she hated this Asriel, not me. Regardless her actions were a threat. Hmph, Travis seemed like a pawn, but I can’t just let him walk free as some unknown variable..

Walking to the safe Ceron grabbed the files lining it's base, flopped them onto the table edge. And in a quick stride returned to his seat as he began to look over the contents. In that calm moment Ceron softly sat as he rubbed his neck, over four decades of conquest and slaughter, I saw each corner of the earthly plane and below- And had the world merely a fingertip away, but now no more than a mere boy. Somewhat humbling..

But I can't help but think, what if I try again? Climbing the peak’s and seeing all this “future” has to offer me.

...

What secrets do you hold Beth? Gauging these documents, the forefront laid land deeds for an estate and rights of succession,... So that was it, Beth wanted Asriel's portion? Hmm, turning the papers pertaining to estate and rights Beth and Asriel possessed to the side the other documentation was receipts and lists. It was a strange arrangement of various herbs and ingredients to say the least, reading it once left an incoherent consistency that rudely surged a headache, the writing was more like a ravings of some deluded lunatic.

Had this girl escaped some type of mental hospital? Though as I thought that, my fingers stopped at the sixth repeating letter on an adjacent line. Oho, on every third and sixth line a numeral number doubles with a repeating letter adjacent to it, the list unreadability was jumbled code. Tracing the numeral number to a letter in an adjacent line words slowly began to form, into sentences as I wrote them down on another sheet to my right.

The process hadn't taken long, to my right a list of names most I didn't know, though a few struck out. The list was combining these names sometimes detailing and describing the attributes-The more I read it the apparent reason for it became clear, it must've been a formula and knowing of the few plants listed it should be the control potion of some degree. Travis was no doubt under the influence of something akin to it, and my bottle Beth tried to induce looked the same; looking over the lad's body now the veins had vanished from sight,

he wasn't dead. Still unconscious just the effects had left him, it wasn't a permanent elixir.

Was she going to use the potion to make myself slit my own throat? It was a likely answer, nonetheless it would be fitting to use it on her, serving me just as she wished for me. The list didn't account the exact details of the potion nor exact measurements on mixing, it would be a game of guessing and equilibrium if I have a chance at refining it...

..

A particular hue caught Ceron's eye. A perplexed but curious expression slowly surfaced as his hand glided over to it, a silver of elation too came as the outside world became clouded, "How the-.." Unable to complete his words Ceron darted his gaze rapidly to the floor and back to the table, holding a red stem to which a fire held no amount too. A deep strobing red up to the glistening bud of violet and white. A plant long since Ceron sought, and once heard from years ago in the fields of alchemy. A rare beauty said to strike the holiest of devout frothing with temptation at a single petal.

There was no name for it other than those of tales, some he'd heard spouting... But none of it was of matter now, just the flower of red's power must be the catalyst. Part of it had already been snipped, its use in controlling and binding elixirs was no doubt powerful. Powerful enough to drive the ones tainted by it mad and savage perhaps, its influence on the mind were why it was heavily sought. A single petal in a barrel of wine in the king's court would turn the house on its end. The king's head likely on a pike for raving lunacy.

A smile surfaced as Ceron placed it back on the table, readying the equipment infront of him, ..That of course if one doesn't refine it properly. A hidden technique something this girl didn't know without doubt, the veins and demeanor was enough to discern a bad production-The real gift of the plant's powers didn't stop there in the slightest as once under the effects a hypnosis like state would be induced. Just enough time for anyone to be turned from psycho bitch to faithful servant.

... Though it is not without the side effects..

“...Oh I almost forgot to bandage her.”