Tides Of Protomis CXXII

Gar’Amon’s Choice

With the arrival of the demonic messenger, the situation had become significantly more complicated. It was no longer just a case of hunting down and killing demons, or rather, no longer just the case of running around until they found information. Their plans needed to change, and they need to change soon. The members of the group sat within the remains of the deceased general’s throne room Which itself had since been covered in no small amount of rubble, mostly from those who attempted to take advantage of the Human’s damaged state. Though, clearly, that attempt did not end well, given the lack of demons, outside of those who’d been with them beforehand.

“So what now?” Jirou questioned..

“We need to gain information, and find out just where this general is. Our Best bet is finding some demons who’ll cooperate with us, and at least can give us a general direction.” Zhao answers.

“But the question is, where are they? Most of the sapient ones we’ve met were aggressive, and working with the enemy.” Zhao answered.

“Find a populated area, maybe? Mallegan and his generals aren’t liked by all demons, apparently. There has to be somebody who can tell us what we need to know. “ The russian responded.

“And what if they aren’t? Then we’d just be hopping into a hornet’s nest.” Alarick retorted.

“We’ll have to hope that’s not the case… Besides, Hyperion, Gilga, and Junko can sense any high level demons that may be there. And regardless, I don’t intend on letting any of those they captured die.” Arctaius responded. There were no words of disagreement. But the problem was, none of them knew where to start, exactly.

“I believe we may be able to help with that” As a feminine voice rang within their ears, the members of the group turned their attention to the entrance of the throne room, where three veiled skeletons stood, bearing a certain resemblance to one of their previous opponents.

“Guessing by your appearance… You must be the family that Ghemzaan mentioned.” Jirou responded.

“Yup… I am Ghemzaan’s sister, Kiselia.” The crimson-veiled one stated, before she slid over to her brother, a skeleton clothed in an azure veil.

“This is our second eldest, Ismal…” She stated. Though the demon himself only gave a grunt in response. Then, she moved to the last, with a pure white veil, only to be cut off.

“I can introduce myself, Sister… I am Dhutim.”

“We believe we can help with your situation. Your army outside filled us in on the situation… We don’t know where the next general is either, but we may have some leads…” Ismal stated,

Some part of the group didn’t know what to make of this, but it hadn’t been the first time a demon helped them. And for Arctaius, their decision certainly made sense, they shared the same enemies, after all.

“If that’s the case. What can you tell us?” He questioned.

“I’ll explain it like this… If a settlement is anywhere, I believe it’d be in the caves north of here. There are many among the species who make use of shelter, but find building to be a waste of time…” Ismal continued.

“They aren’t wrong. Even my own home was like that.” Hyperion agreed. There didn’t seem to be much disagreement from any of those there, though, there was some form of suspicion from some of their members. But it seemed they’d pushed that aside for now.

“Alright then. Let’s move out.” Alarick stated. And, soon after, he began stepping out of the throne room, with the others following in short time. The troops resting around rallied, and were led to the north by the three siblings. Who themselves gained some excitement at what was about to happen… They’d finally be able to return to their own continent after this was over. Though, they had no shortage of information to add to the great archive, the few benefits of their time here. If their hypothesis was correct, at least. Among the humans, specifically, Jirou and Arctaius, a different conversation was brewing.

“Oi, Jirou… Have you ever thought about what you’re gonna do in the future? I’m guessing you plan on taking over the Hashimoto-Kai.” Arctaius commented. The yakuza glanced at him, and looked forward.

“Probably… But who knows, the Kaemerge were one thing, but now we’re running around in another world fighting “Demons”. Not exactly how I expected life to be going.” Jirou answered.

“Fair enough, I guess…” Arctaius’ speech drifted off as his eyes began to move around the area surrounding them. Somebody else had decided to continue the chatter, with Kilesia making her way over to Zhao.

“So… If you don’t mind me asking, What is Mvchk Like?” Which was, unsurprisingly, met by looks of confusion. The term being unfamiliar to them, until Hyperion cut in.

“It means the world of humans…” So that was it. Zhao glanced at her.

“Why exactly do you want to know?” The monk questioned.

“Our species consists of many archivers. Seeing knowledge from all corners of this realm, even others, if the situation allows us too. Though many here do not decide to record even the basics… Or even use writing at all.” Kilesia answered. That much satisfied him enough, having doubts that there was any malicious intent from them. But how would he simplify this….

“Well… I suppose the best way to explain it is, complicated. In a way, our world’s are alike, Various groups vying for power, and attempting to dominate by any means. The ones who participate in it change over time, but, who can say whether it’s gotten better or worse? All a matter of where you happen to me, I say.” He knew for sure that Yamato had some amount of civil unrest, first from the Kaemerge, and then the afterglow of the first invasion. But, of course, in some places, it was worse. Siam and Great Viet had been in an outright state of war for years now, a situation that was not too uncommon to find. He could ponder this later, he decided to return to explaining earth’s situation to the three siblings, who listened intently.

As their journey continued, it was made clear that the way to the village wasn't exactly a short one. Perhaps this region wasn’t that densely populated, or most demos simply did not form large groups. Had they decided to begin steering clear? The only ones they could find were the D-classes, who lacked non-animalistic intelligence in the first place. They were easily dispatched by the demons marching behind the main group.

While their advance took place, the reason for their advance had already begun arriving. Asami Hoshi found herself locked in a high-ceilinged stone room, surrounded by thick walls, and a single gate allowing entry or exit. Even the most basic of comforts were nowhere to be found, and she was left alone… That creature who dragged her here did so just as she was finishing her dinner. She was glad her sister wasn’t taken as well, but she couldn't help but be worried for her fate. The heavy footsteps outside of her door made the girl’s heartbeat speed up.

“Another demon… What are they plani-” Her words were cut off by the door sliding open, and the yelling of a man being thrown in. One she recognized well.

“Yoshida?!” She yelled in confusion. No sooner did the door slam closed, as the man began standing up, dusting himself off. Beginning to respond as he checked his glasses for damage.

“In the flesh… ” Before long, the door opened, and three more entered. Iris, Akashi, and Yudei had joined them as well. Shinto wiped his glasses off, as he placed them onto his face once more.

“It seems we’ve all been captured…” He noted.

“Obviously… But who else is getting brought in with us?” Iris questioned. The princess made her way to one of the walls, and took a seat… This was certainly a departure from a normal day that she was not expecting. There was more than a bit of fear in her heart… In a short time, the last to enter the room was an old woman, who none of those within knew. Confused expressions made their way to their faces as they took note.

“I must say. I’m getting much too old for things like this. Captured by demons?” Among those there, the woman’s calmness in the face of their current situation was the most surprising part.

“If you don’t mind me asking. Who are you? It seems you're the only one outside of our friend group to be brought here.” Shinto questioned, in his attempt to figure out the situation. The old woman’s eyes moved across the crowd, they were much younger than her, and their surprise at the unknown was similar to her own thoughts.

“My name is Koyama… But as for why I'm here, I’m afraid I have no idea why.” Well, that didn’t do them any good. Shinto placed his hand on his chin questioningly. What use would the demons have for them? It seemed like a waste of time to send agents after them, unless…

Shinto’s eyes widened at the revelation. “That’s it! They intend to use us as hostages, to keep everyone at bay!” Widened eyes and mouths left agape, as the surprise set in. If this were the case, then who knew what was in store for them next? What if they didn’t get here in time? No, they wouldn't believe that. If those they knew had figured out what's happened, then they’d certainly be working to retrieve them, and quickly… The very group they spoke about, still made their way across the highlands, though having drawn much closer, they were not at the village’s location yet. As he had beforehand, Zhao was flying overhead, drawing on a piece of parchment, attempting to map out the area as best he could. Though they had a guide for the time being, that may not be a permanent fixture of their group, especially with them having stated they wanted to return to the continent that was their homeland.

The mostly silent walk was interrupted by an interjection from Dhutim.

“We’re nearby… The settlement should be just ahead.” In a short time, they saw the cave, which was lit up by a multitude of fires, mostly being within the hollowed out boulders. Low-Class demons, known as Chyhlv(Whooled Beasts) Commonly used for livestock, were contained within earthen walls. The inhabitants of this village clearly lived simply, but they seemed to enjoy it well enough. At the least, they weren’t all trying to battle each other for the position of chieftain. Instead, simply looking to enjoy each other's company in the village’s center. At the very least, until they took note of the approaching humans, and army of demons behind them. Some among them leaped to their feet, taking arms, and readying to strike them down. But, the oldest of the remaining siblings stepped forward.

“Hold… We are simply here for information. Not for an invasion.” Ismal clarified.

Those there didn’t seem too convinced, given they hadn’t dropped their stances, or anything of the sort. The humans there glanced at each other knowingly, with it seeming that negotiations had broken down before they'd even truly started. At the least, until the small form of a wrinkled imp-like creature floated in front of them.

“Stop… I will hear them out… Come” As the demon waved his hand, they began making their way forward, finding themselves in the center of the village. While most continued in their daily work, and activities, many looked at the newcomers with suspicious glances. Including two who tended to the livestock, two oni-like creatures. Green, and red respectively.

“They’re suspicious… Just why are they traveling with Mvchk’s denizens? Are they not currently at war with us?” The green Question.

“Perhaps not… If the chief trusts them enough to allow them into the village.” Apparently, the others thought the same, given how nobody came to demand they leave, or anything of the sort. There was a certain amount of trust in his judgment the inhabitants of the village had. From those who were nearly as old as him, to the smallest younglings, who ran around the center of the village, roughhousing, as one would expect. It was only once they reached the center, that the demon ceased floating forward. Staying in his place, and returning his gaze to the group.

“I am the chief of this village, Gar’amon. What is it you seek?”

“To seek out the location of Maleggan’s General, Gemmena.” Ismal responded… The activity in the village seemed to come to a halt with the mention of that name, Maleggan. Their blood ran cold, and they seemed to freeze. In response, the Imp turned his gaze away from the group.

“I refuse… The only reason this village has been able to remain hidden is because we stay out of such things.” Gar’amon responded. Hyperion stepped forward, reaching Ismal’s side.

“However, could this not benefit you as well? If we are able to eliminate that threat, you won’t have to worry about them?” But apparently, his words reached an uncompromising man, as the chieftain simply continued to speak with his back turned.

“And what if you fail? What is stopping them from tracing that back to our own village, and eliminating us for causing them issues… I can not.” Some among them were getting annoyed with his stonewalling, though understanding the need for him to protect his own, Arctaius in particular was near losing his cool. However, he managed to avoid doing so for the time being, instead, deciding to calmly respond.

“We don;t intend to…. Maleggan’s troops have taken some people very dear to us. Dear enough that we can not rest until we’ve been ensured of their safety. You want to protect your own, I understand that… But we want too as well.” Arctaius answered.

This much actually made the chieftain think. His logical side was telling him to deny it, but his emotional side was saying something entirely different. Perhaps, he could reach some sort of compromise, some sort of other avenue. Risking the safety of his villagers was one thing. After all, they’d mostly fought with other small bands over livestock, or foraging, but they’d by no means be able to fight against an entire army… He was eventually snapped out of his thoughts by one of his villagers, placing their hand on his shoulder. A brown-furred creature, standing on two legs, with two horns sticking out of its head. Almost resembling a humanoid bison.

“Let me go with them… If push comes to shove, I can act like a solitary one, and lead them in the wrong direction upon my escape…” Gar’amon’s eyes widened at this proposal.

“You must not! It is dangerous-”

“Please… I want to secure our village’s future. If we want to do that, then the threat that is Maleggan must be handled.” This gave the chieftain pause. He was by no means eager to let one of his own leave with some random strangers, who apparently planned to create a new battlefield. But, there was a burning determination in the man’s eyes. Had the newcomers brought this about, or had those feelings always been there? He supposed it could have very well been both…

“Alright then, Fuzel… Go forth, and lead them in the right direction. Then, you’d best be back…”

Fuzel nodded, as he turned to the group.

“I want to say my goodbyes very quickly… Then, we will be off.”

“Right.” Arctaius responded. Understanding reached, the demon began to walk off…

The group was now one step closer to reaching their target, a development all of those were happy with… But would they make it in time was a question asked by both their group, and the other, and the answer seemed unclear…

つづく

To Be Continued

Ending 10- A Day Dreaming- Back On