Predestined Meeting Part 3

We are close. Soon, we will reach where Zaine is. The wind whipped through my hair as I clung to the back of my monstrous eagle, with Namy and Usofra flying at my sides. Despite the thrill of soaring through the air, I couldn't shake the strange and unsettling sensation that haunted the atmosphere.

"Something's not right," I muttered. Glancing down at my eagle, I noticed it too was acting strangely, its movements more erratic than usual.

Since we left the city, I have been feeling an annoying sensation, but the further we go, the more and more uncomfortable that sensation becomes. A quick glance at Namy and Usofra reveals their discomfort is even more severe, though they try to push forward and hide it. I wonder what this strange sensation is.

"Are you two okay?" I asked, concerned.

Namy's eyes were narrow and tired, "I... I don't know," She stammered. Usofra nodded in agreement, her face pale and sweat beading on her forehead.

As the strange sensation intensified, their faces grew paler, and their speed slowed significantly, "W-We need to land," Usofra gasped, her voice trembling as she descended to the ground, visibly nauseous.

"Alright, hold on," I instructed, guiding my eagle downward as Namy and Usofra made their way to the desert floor below.

Once on the ground, Namy and Usofra started vomiting, their bodies wracked with pain. I dismounted from the eagle and rushed to their sides, noticing how unnaturally pale and sweaty they were. I reached into my bag and freed Sunshine from the medallion while trying to help Namy and Usofra by offering them water.

"Here, drink this," I said urgently, holding out the water for them to sip.

"T-Thank you," Usofra whispered, taking a few small sips before passing it to Namy. Their breathing was labored, and I could see the toll this unexplained affliction was taking on them.

"Sunshine," I called, looking at her, "Do you know what's happening to them?"

Sunshine shook her head, her eyes filled with worry, "I don't know, but whatever it is, it's not good."

Namy managed to catch her breath and explained between gasps, "Darx, we told you before... this disturbance and source of our sickness must be the lingering residue of the magic used by the Princess of Calamity to destroy the ancient city of Zrephia centuries ago."

Usofra nodded weakly, wiping the sweat from her brow, "This magic is known to affect demons like ourselves, and that's why it's forbidden for us to approach. However," She said, her voice trembling, "Neither Namy nor I had expected its reach to be so far and strong; it's far greater than we had ever imagined."

"Is there any way to protect yourselves from this magic?" I asked.

"I don't know," Namy replied, her eyes downcast. Usofra shook her head in agreement, her expression grim.

Before I could contemplate our next move, my eagle suddenly began to convulse on the ground. Whatever was happening to the monstrous eagle, it was writhing in pain. It let out a weak, pitiful cry before collapsing lifelessly on the ground. Panic surged through me as I saw Namy and Usofra beginning to show similar symptoms, breaking out in cold sweats and clutching their stomachs.

"Darx, I... don't feel so good," Namy groaned, her face contorted with pain. Usofra's gaze met mine, her eyes filled with terror.

"D-Dox, what is happening?" Sunshine said, confused and a little terrified, seeing Namy and Usofra writhing in pain.

"Stay strong, both of you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "We need to get you away from here."

Despite their attempts to resist, the overwhelming pain proved too much for Namy and Usofra. They succumbed to the sensation, their bodies going limp as they fell into unconsciousness. Alarmed and confused, I turned to Sunshine.

"Help me carry them," I yelled, "We need to go back."

Sunshine nodded, her tiny body trembling as she assisted me in lifting Namy and Usofra with her magic. Together, we carried them a safe distance away from the reach of the magic that seemed to emanate from Zrephia's ruins.

Throughout the night, Sunshine and I kept watch over Namy and Usofra, checking their conditions and trying to tend to them as best we could. As the first light of dawn broke, Namy and Usofra still showed no signs of waking. The day dragged on, each moment feeling like an eternity as I paced anxiously around our makeshift campsite. When the second night fell, a faint groan echoed in the darkness. Turning quickly, I saw Namy's fingers twitching as her eyes fluttered open. Usofra stirred soon after, slowly regaining consciousness as well. They still appeared weak, but at least it seemed that their lives were no longer at risk.

"Namy, Usofra," I breathed, kneeling beside them, "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been trampled by a herd of demon boars," Namy mumbled, attempting a weak smile.

"Same here," Usofra agreed, sitting up with difficulty.

"Take it slow," I advised them, offering water from a canteen.

They nodded, accepting the water gratefully.

"Darx, we can still continue," Namy insisted after a few moments, her voice barely more than a whisper, "We're here to save Zaine. We can't give up now."

"I don't think that's a good idea," I replied, looking at the two of them. It was clear that the magic that was spread throughout this area was deadly to them. They could hardly stand, let alone journey onward.

"Darx, we cannot leave you and Sunshine to face this alone," Usofra argued, her pride evident even in her weakened state, "We don't mind giving our lives to save Zaine."

She is not lying. I could see the fierce determination burning in their eyes. Still...

"Listen..." I said softly, my eyes searching theirs, "I've been thinking about our strategy. You know, my original plan was to amass an army of monsters to storm the fortress of Dagrol and create a distraction while we infiltrate and rescue Zaine. But there are no monsters around, and even if I bring monsters from other areas, they will die without even being able to reach the fortress, as happened to my monster eagle."

Namy and Usofra exchanged worried glances. I could see the frustration on their faces, knowing that after everything we've been through and how willing they were to go to the end to save Zaine, this is now happening.

"With the magic afflicting everything around the ruins, that strategy is no longer viable," I continued, frustration creeping into my voice, "It is clear that we underestimate how powerful the residue of that magic that surrounds this area is. The harsh reality of Zrephia's magic leaves us with few choices, and time is running out."

My thoughts raced, desperately searching for a new plan. But everything pointed to the grim reality that my original plan was falling apart. Worse still, it seemed that neither Namy nor Usofra would be able to continue.

"Still," I muttered, clenching my fists, "There must be a way for demons to endure the magic permeating this area. After all, if it were impossible, there would be no demon fortress so close to the ruins."

"Maybe we're missing something," Namy suggested.

"Perhaps we should return to the city and search for information," Usofra suggested thoughtfully, "Maybe we can find a way to reach the fortress where Zaine is imprisoned without being affected by the magic residue from the ruins. But..." She hesitated, "That would take time—time we don't have."

"Let's look at the map again," Namy chimed in. We gathered around the map, our eyes scanning every inch of it, searching for answers. The fortress is not marked on the map, but we have a clear idea of ​​where it is.

As I studied the map, I felt an odd shift inside me.

Wait a minute. I thought, tracing my finger over the map. Zaine's presence isn't coming from the direction of Dagrol's fortress, as we had assumed. It's coming from an area slightly off to the right—closer to the ruins of Zrephia itself. I closed my eyes and focused on Zaine's presence to confirm my suspicions, which I now feel much stronger since we are quite close. Just as I thought, Zaine's presence is not in the direction of the fortress but inside the ruins.

"I think we've made a mistake," I said slowly, my voice filled with a mixture of confusion and dread, "Zaine's presence isn't coming from the direction of Dagrol's fortress, as we had assumed. It's coming from inside the ruins of Zrephia itself."

Namy and Usofra exchanged puzzled looks.

"What? Are you sure?" Usofra asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, "I-Inside the ruins?"

"Could it be a trap?" Namy suggested, her voice laced with concern.

"If Zaine is inside the ruins, then the situation is far worse than we initially feared," Usofra said gravely, "It's impossible for a demon to survive inside those ruins, even if it's someone as strong as Zaine. How could she have managed to survive in such a deadly place?"

"Maybe there's something we don't know about yet," I replied, feeling a sinking sensation in my chest, "Something that allowed her to withstand the magic residue from the ruins."

"Whatever the reason, it seems that they've chosen the perfect place to hide Zaine," Namy said, her voice heavy with worry. "No demon would dare approach those ruins. Even in the years of the Civil War, it never occurred to us to look for Zaine in those ruins."

I glanced at Namy and Usofra, taking in their pale faces and the beads of sweat on their foreheads. They had barely survived the magic's reach at a distance. As difficult as it was to admit, we needed to face the truth - they could not come with me.

"Darx, what do we do now?" Usofra asked, her eyes searching my face for answers.

From the way Usofra was looking at me, I think she already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from me.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking, knowing that my decision would be a difficult one for all of us, "You two can't come with me any further," I told them, "It's too dangerous for you."

Namy's eyes widened, and she clenched her fists. "But Darx, we've come so far... We can't just let you go alone!"

"Neither of you would survive if you got even closer to the ruins," I insisted.

"Only Sunshine and I can continue. I'm not affected as much as you both are, and Sunshine appears to be immune, right!?" I explained, trying to sound confident.

Sunshine fluttered beside me, "Yep, I don't feel that strange sensation that you mention at all.

Namy's face twisted with frustration, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

Usofra looked down, her hands trembling as she clenched them into fists, "Darx... You know that we would do anything for you and Zaine, but... there is really no other way, right...!?"

I sighed, feeling bad for them, "I'm afraid not. We don't have any other options."

"But I promise," I said, looking each of them in the eye, "I will find Zaine and bring her back safely. Then I will return for you two. We'll find a way to get out of this together."

Namy and Usofra exchanged glances, their expressions filled with resignation.

"Alright, Darx," Namy said, her voice trembling, "We trust you."

"Let's discuss a backup plan," Usofra suggested, trying to regain control of her emotions, "We can stay in charge of finding a way to escape if things go south. We'll also keep an eye out for anything that could happen here."

"Good idea," I agreed, feeling slightly reassured, "You two should stay hidden and be ready to act when the time comes."

"Of course, Darx," Namy replied, wiping away her tears, "Just make sure you bring her back."

As we were preparing to part ways, Usofra's voice took on a serious tone, "Darx, be cautious of Duke Dagrol. He is a discreet and mysterious figure, but he's also an ancient and powerful demon, I'm sure of that. There is something strange about Dagrol. He never appeared in the civil war or even participated in the coup to dethrone Zaine. He hasn't shown his face in public for so many years that some even think he is dead. Even so, the Demon King seems to have too much trust in him, so much so that he left Zaine in his hands."

"Usofra is right," Namy chimed in, her eyes filled with concern, "Avoid fighting him if you can. We don't know what he's capable of."

"Thanks for the warning," I replied, "I'll do my best to avoid any confrontation with him."

Before we parted ways, Usofra turned to Sunshine, her expression softening, "Sunshine, please look after Darx. Make sure he stays safe and doesn't do anything too crazy."

Sunshine, usually playful and carefree, grew solemn momentarily, "I promise. I will do everything I can to protect him."

"Thank you, Sunshine," Usofra replied with a smile.

"Also, make sure you don't die, you stupid butterfly," Namy said, looking at Sunshine, "I want to have the pleasure of ending your life myself."

"Fuck you, whore!" Sunshine responded, giving her the finger.

I just smiled, knowing that no matter how much they insulted each other, they were both willing to risk their lives for the other.

It was time to say our farewells. Namy and Usofra looked at me with a mixture of sadness and anxiety in their eyes.

"Good luck, Darx," Namy said softly, her voice wavering slightly. "And Sunshine, you better keep your promise."

"Take care of yourselves," Usofra added, forcing a smile, "We'll be waiting for your return."

"Thank you both," I replied.

As I turned away from them, Sunshine fluttered beside me, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a quiet determination. Together, we began our journey towards the ruins of Zrephia, leaving Namy and Usofra behind.

"Darx," Sunshine whispered, breaking the silence, "Are you scared?"

"Of course I am," I admitted, my voice barely audible, "But I can't let that stop me. We need to find Zaine and bring her back safely."

For three days, Sunshine and I trekked through the desolate landscape, each step bringing us closer to the ruins of Zrephia. As we continued onward, the sky above us grew darker, casting an eerie gloom over the land.

"Darx," Sunshine ventured, hesitating, "Do you notice how the sky is getting darker the closer we get to the ruins?"

I nodded, having been pondering the same thing, "Yes, it's strange, isn't it? It doesn't feel like a storm is brewing."

"Maybe it has something to do with the lingering magic from the destruction of Zrephia," She suggested, her wings fluttering nervously, "From what Namy and Usofra told us, it must be incredibly powerful and dangerous."

"I think you're right," I agreed, my gaze fixed on the ominous horizon.

On the fourth day, we finally caught sight of Duke Dagrol's fortress looming in the distance. The massive structure was unlike anything we had imagined—imposing and built entirely from what appeared to be bones of different sizes. The macabre sight sent chills down my spine, making us both pause in awe and confusion. If it is really made of bones, as it seems to be, how many bones were used to form such an immense fortress? And to what or to whom do those bones belong? Whatever the answer is, I feel like I don't want to know.

"Is that... made of bones?" Sunshine asked, her voice trembling.

"Seems so," I replied, trying to maintain a steady tone.

As we observed the ominous fortress, I noticed something strange: despite its size, there were no visible guards or monsters patrolling the area. In contrast to Duke Vanth's heavily guarded castle, this fortress appeared eerily deserted from the outside.

"Sunshine, have you noticed there aren't any guards or monsters around?" I asked.

She nodded, her expression a mix of relief and unease, "Yes, it's strange. Why wouldn't that Duke protect his fortress?"

"Maybe," I speculated, "The magic surrounding this place is protection enough."

"Maybe the fortress is abandoned," Sunshine suggested, "The complete lack of life around here is unnatural. It's giving me the creeps."

I frowned, considering her words. The silence was indeed unnerving, but something deep within me disagreed with her assessment. I could feel an unsettling sensation crawling beneath my skin as if something dangerous were lurking inside that bone fortress.

"Sunshine, I don't think it's abandoned," I said slowly, trying to put my thoughts into words, "There's something... off about this place. I can't quite explain it, but I feel like there's something inside. Something that makes my skin crawl."

"Ah?" Sunshine, eyes wide, "What kind of danger are you talking about?"

"I'm not sure," I confessed.

The more I focused on the fortress, the stronger my unease grew. It felt like something evil was emanating from within its walls. I instinctively knew that whatever lurked inside was something I wouldn't want to confront. My heart raced, and a brief flicker of fear ran down my spine.

Sunshine seemed to want to feel what I told her and tried to focus her senses on the fortress. Then Sunshine's terror became evident. Her small body started shaking, and tears welled up in her eyes. It seemed that she too, could feel the sinister presence inside the fortress, something unlike anything we'd ever experienced. It was pure evil.

"D-Dox," She whispered, barely audible, "That's not correct! It's unnatural."

"I feel the same..." I replied, still trying to make sense of what I was feeling.

"Dox, we need to leave. Now!" Sunshine's voice trembled as she clung to my shoulder, her face pale with fear.

"Okay, okay," I agreed, glancing at the fortress one last time before turning away. "We'll get out of here."

As we started moving away from the fortress and its ominous presence, Sunshine continued trembling, her tears flowing freely. I couldn't blame her – the sense of dread that had filled me was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. We both knew we needed to avoid whatever was in that fortress at all costs.

"Sunshine, are you alright?" I asked gently.

"I-I'm fine, Dox," She stammered, trying to wipe her tears away with her tiny hands, "But that place... it's terrifying. I don't ever want to go back there."

"Neither do I," I murmured, "Whatever is in there, it can't be good. Let's just focus on getting away from this place and finding Zaine."

With each step we took away from the fortress, the atmosphere seemed to lighten ever so slightly. Even though the feeling of dread continued to linger in our minds, I could tell that Sunshine was starting to regain some of her usual playful demeanor by the next day.

"Look, Dox!" She exclaimed, pointing in the distance, "I think we're getting closer!"

I squinted my eyes, trying to make out what she was referring to. Then there, far on the horizon, we finally reached the ruins of Zrephia—the place where we will find Zaine.