A crumbling empire

Lira blinks, staring up at the towering demigod that just appeared in front of her. “What…who…how?”

Samus looks at her and nods. “Lady Lira Gitanna. I apologize for my abrupt entrance. I am Samus, last son of the Great One. I mean you no harm, but I will defend myself if attacked. I would speak with you as well.”

Lira is clearly confused and unsure, so you step forward. “I can vouch for what he says. He is a powerful ally, and probably the reason we’re still here. Have your men stand down.”

Lira looks between you and Samus, then nods. As she dismisses her guards, the girls start to come outside. Despite everything, you can’t help but chuckle at the fact that Alex clearly just rolled out of bed, her red hair a giant mess. You also note with interest that Kaeli and Cassie come out together, sharing glances. Something to look into later.

Somebody was having fun without us, hmm?

At the same time, Tyrin, Lira’s husband, comes rushing over, sword in hand. He pulls up short when he sees Samus, but puts an arm protectively around Lira regardless. Samus nods at him, and looks around.

“Have you somewhere we can speak where there will be no observers? What I have to say must remain among us for now. And we must hurry. My arrival will have been noticed.”

You think? Even demigods are idiots sometimes.

Seemingly recovering her composure, Lira nods. “Of course. Follow me.”

She and her husband lead you into the mansion, and through to a large dining hall. There’s enough seats around the table for everyone, and almost as soon as everyone sits, Samus begins.

“I will be short about this. The Order is no more. Niran has betrayed my father and Victoria, and imprisoned her in his cell. He has started, for lack of a better way to describe it, a cult that worships the corruption.”

He sighs. “Niran has been working on this in secret for years, and now his plan has come to fruition. It’s a civil war. Every city has broken out in fighting. Nobles loyal to the Order are being killed, or worse. Niran is spreading the corruption to his followers.”

Lira shakes her head. “But we can’t fight that. The corruption is irreversible.”

Kaeli speaks. “Not so, lady Lira. I was cured. Nicholas has the power to do so. It was not pleasant, but the alternative is far worse.”

Samus interrupts. “This is different, however. Niran has experimented on himself that the corruption within him is…different. Those taken by it regard him as some sort of god. They are linked to him.”

You sigh. “What does that mean for us here?”

Samus looks at you. “The twins are his creatures now. They eradicated your other rivals, and they will be coming here next.”

You nod. “And what happens if we attack them first?”

Lira gasps. “That’s a risky idea! Even with their troops scattered throughout the city, they’re hidden away in their compound.”

Alex rolls her eyes. “Not like a plan being crazy and risky has ever stopped him.”

Cassie giggles. “Yeah, you’re just encouraging it now!”

Even Kaeli nods. “From what I saw of my rescue, I concur. Insane and risky is very much Nicholas’s style.”

You chuckle. “Thanks. Very inspiring. But yes, I think it’s the best plan. Myself, Ferra, Alex and Sarah. There’s very little that could stand against us, and it’s a small enough group to escape most notice.”

You feel a nudge in your mind, and roll your eyes. “Yes, Lilith too.”

Gee thanks. It’s so good to be included! Jerk.

Lira stares for a moment, then sighs. “I don’t see much choice here. Fine, the rest of us will fortify the compound.”

Samus nods. “I will aid lady Lira. Good luck, Nicholas.”

Alex giggles.