Choosing A Side Part 3

I sat there, the words echoing in my mind. Kase is dead. The hatred that had fueled me for so long felt hollow now, like a fire that had burned out. Zhoron and my mother—their actions should have brought me closure, but instead, I felt empty. My body was trembling, and I didn't know if it was from relief or anger.

"Darx?" Amelia's voice pulled me back.

I turned to look at her. Her expression was soft, almost apologetic.

"What happened next?" I asked.

"We took Kase's body back to Rulido for burial. Once we arrived, the news spread that Kase had died bravely while confronting the demons," Amelia said, "There was a large funeral attended by his sister, Mili, and people from Rulido. However, only two members of Oblivion were present," She paused briefly, "Personally, I didn't like the way they portrayed Kase as a hero. However, the Kingdom believed it was necessary to avoid suspicion regarding how Kase actually died. According to Zhoron, the Queen also didn't want to reveal Kase's true identity, which would have weakened the public's perception of adventurers. Public support is something that both adventurers and soldiers on the front lines desperately need right now."

"I see..." I said with my eyes on the ground, "What about my mother? Where is she now?

"Ilene is back in Riledo. She was quite depressed for a while, but with the birth of her baby, I've seen her a little happier nowadays. However, she still misses you a lot. She wants to see you."

A lot has happened while I've been away, and I'm sure Amelia still has more to share. However, I'm struggling to process everything she just told me. I assume Syvis remained in Dark Elf territory, but I didn't want to ask her about it. I'm not sure I want to know. What Amelia shared was unexpected and overwhelming.

"I know it's a lot to take in," Amelia said gently, "I can give you some space if you need it."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

Amelia lingered for a moment before starting to walk, "I'll be back with the others if you need me."

Amelia walked away while looking back at me a few times, her footsteps echoing against the ruins until they faded into the silence. I sat there, alone, with everything spiraling inside me. My mother has a child. Kase's child. The thought made my stomach twisted. And Syvis... she now has Kase's child, too... Had she been controlled, too? Was that why Syvis cheated on me? Nothing made sense anymore, and every answer only led to more questions.

Time passed in a blur until I finally stood, my legs stiff from sitting so long. I wandered through the rubble-strewn road. Despite spending a lot of time thinking, I couldn't figure out what I was feeling and what I should do now that I knew the whole truth about my mother, Syvis, and Amelia.

It was dark by the time I reached where the others were waiting.

"Darx, you were gone for a long time. Is everything okay?" Zaine asked me. Her eyes were intense, searching my face.

"I'm fine," I managed, though my voice sounded foreign. Her brow furrowed in doubt, "I promise I'll explain everything later."

Reluctantly, Zaine nodded, acknowledging my words without pressing further.

"Hey, Darx. Amelia told me that you now know everything that happened with Kase while you were gone," Ryul spoke up, "Do you want to discuss the rest later? You may need some time to process what Amelia told you."

I shook my head, determined, "No, let's finish this. But before that, tell me, why weren't you surprised to see Zaine?" My question cut through the air, sharper than I'd intended, "You and Amelia acted like you knew who she was and that she was with me."

Ryul exchanged a glance with Amelia. He leaned forward, his expression turning more serious.

"It's complicated," Ryul began, "Perhaps there is a more appropriate place where we can talk? What I have to tell you both is important."

So they knew. Zaine straightened beside me, her eyes narrowing.

"So you really knew about me?" Zaine's voice was sharp.

"We did," Amelia confessed softly, "You are the former Demon Queen."

I exchanged a look with Zaine, both of us taken aback by the revelation.

"Follow me," I said.

I led them back through the ruins until we reached the mansion where we'd made camp. Inside, I took them to a section that had been repaired enough to offer some shelter—a former dining room with a few holes in the ceiling that let in slivers of moonlight. We settled around one of the tables. I sat next to Zaine with Sunshine perched on my shoulder, fidgeting impatiently. Ryul and Amelia took seats across from us.

Ryul leaned back in his chair, a mixture of weariness and relief on his face.

"First, I want to say again that it's a huge relief to see you alive and well, Darx," Ryul began, his voice carrying an ease that contrasted with the tension between us, "The past months have been brutal. We've lost so many to the demons."

A heaviness settled over me. I thought of the friends I'd left behind, "What about the others?" I asked.

"They're still fighting," Ryul said with a sad smile, "Leona, Dante, and Gerald are helping hold the line at the border."

"And Shalia?" I asked.

Ryul's expression flickered a bit darker, "Shalia took a nasty hit. Lost an eye but made it out alive. She's recovering in the capital."

"S-Shalia was…" My words were cut short by the shock.

After everything that happened in Oidao, I didn't even have the chance to talk with Shalia. Shit... Her eye... The thought of her injured like that cut deep.

"She'll pull through," Ryul added, seeing my reaction, "Shalia is tough."

I nodded slowly.

Sunshine broke the silence with a snort, "Guess we're all sitting ducks after all!"

"Well, back to the main topic," Ryul sighed heavily before speaking, "I know this must come as a shock, but yes, we were aware of Zaine's existence before coming here. That was one of the reasons the Queen sent us here."

"What?" I spoke, struggling to keep my voice steady.

Zaine's eyes glinted dangerously in the dim light, "Don't tell me he sold us out."

Ryul raised his hands defensively, "I didn't! I swear," He looked earnestly between us, "I didn't say anything to the Queen or anyone else, as you asked me to in the letter. While packing my things for the trip here, I was summoned to the castle, and that's where I learned what I'm telling you. Queen Zara told me herself."

The words hit like a punch. My mind reeled as I struggled to comprehend.

"What?" Zaine's suspicion was palpable, "And how would she know about me?"

Ryul met her gaze steadily, "She's known about both of you since the beginning. When she summoned me to the castle, Amelia and Guildmaster Stella were there too."

Amelia chimed in softly, "Before Ryul even got to the castle, Zhoron had already informed me that you were back."

I exchanged a stunned look with Zaine.

"Stella was tracking you from the start," Ryul continued, watching my reaction closely, "She had her crows following your group."

I suspected the Guild Master crows were the reason behind this, especially since I knew they had been following us. However, I believed that Sunshine had taken care of the crows. It seems I underestimated Guildmaster Stella's skills. It's amazing that she was able to track us without my noticing.

Zaine's eyes narrowed further, "Why not capture us if they knew where we were?" Her tone was edged with suspicion, "Darx is a fugitive, and I am—was—the Demon Queen."

Ryul hesitated as if weighing his words, "I don't know. I don't have all the answers." He looked at Amelia for support.

Amelia leaned in, her voice steady, "Both Ryul and I were summoned by the Queen, who gave us the task of coming to see you. She wants to meet with you and her." She paused, letting the weight of her statement settle over us, "Queen Zara wants to speak with you both. She believes she can help Zaine regain her memory."

They also know about Zaine's memory loss!? I felt Zaine stiffen beside me, and I turned to see the shock on her face mirrored my own.

"Help me?" Zaine repeated incredulously, suspicion flaring back into her eyes.

Sunshine let out a high-pitched laugh, "Bullshit! It's a fucking trap! They wanna bag you two and call it a day!"

Zaine nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line of agreement, "I agree with the fairy," She said, "If they've known all along, why play this game? They most likely knew they couldn't capture us in battle, so they must have devised some kind of trap. We would be walking straight into their hands."

Ryul shook his head, his voice calm but urgent, "I don't blame you for being skeptical," He said, meeting each of our gazes in turn, "But I swear we're not lying. The Queen's intentions are genuine. I think…"

I wanted desperately to believe Ryul, but everything was too ambiguous. My mind raced through the possibilities. If it was true—if Queen Zara really could help Zaine—it might be worth the risk. But why would Queen Zara want to help Zaine? Instead, if it was a trap...

My voice came out rougher than I intended, "How do we know this isn't some kind of setup?"

Amelia leaned forward, sincerity etched into every word, "We wouldn't be here if that were the case. Queen Zara knew you'd suspect anyone else who came to ask you to return to the capital, but she knew that if she sent us, maybe you could trust us and her word that they don't want to capture you or Zaine."

Using Ryul to gain my trust is undoubtedly a good strategy, but not enough to make me trust blindly.

Amelia's expression shifted, "The Queen asked us to tell you something else," She said, her eyes locked onto mine, "Kase's **** was evidence of her support for you. The Kingdom knows everything that happened with Kase," She pressed on, "They've been trying to mend relations with Oblivion ever since. All quests to capture or eliminate you have been nullified, Darx. You're not considered a criminal anymore."

I stared at her, absorbing the implications. The relentless pursuit, the constant hiding—it was over? It sounded impossible.

"What about Agnes? I asked, "I doubt the members of Oblivion would accept that."

Ryul jumped in, his voice steady but insistent, "Oblivion's new guildmaster won't pursue **** for what happened to Agnes."

I narrowed my eyes, suspicion still gnawing at me, "And we should just take your word for it?"

Ryul nodded firmly, "I know him personally. He's a good guy, Darx. Oblivion will change quite a bit under his command."

I met his gaze, searching for any hint of deceit. Ryul's sincerity was disarming, and the more we talked, the more my resolve wavered.

Amelia focused her gaze on Zaine, "Z-Zaine, Queen Zara also asked me to give you this message, "The Queen wants an alliance with you," Amelia added, her voice unwavering as she looked at Zaine, "She wants to help you return to the throne—to become the Demon Queen again."

The words hung in the air like a storm about to break. Zaine's eyes widened in disbelief.

Ryul continued, "She wants peace between humans and demons."

Amelia nodded earnestly, "Queen Zara believes having you as an ally will help achieve that."

Sunshine flitted off my shoulder and hovered above us, her small face twisted in frustration, "You guys can't be buying this load of crap!"

Zaine's expression was a mix of anger and confusion as she stared at Ryul and Amelia, the weight of their words settling over her, "Why would I trust any of this?"

Amelia spoke up quickly, determination in her voice, "I know it's hard to believe, but the Queen said she really has a way for you to regain your memory."

Zaine's eyes flared with a dangerous light. She looked away from Amelia, her breath coming in sharp bursts. The moment's intensity left me reeling, each revelation pushing us further into unknown territory.

"We need to think about this," I said finally, glancing between Zaine and Sunshine.

Ryul nodded, understanding etched in his features. "We can wait," He said softly, "Take all the time you need."

I turned to Zaine; her jaw was tight with tension.

Ryul looked worn, lines of fatigue creasing his forehead, "I'm exhausted. I think I'll try to find a place to sleep," He said, glancing at Amelia, who looked equally weary.

I hesitated before responding, "There's a room upstairs in decent condition. You can stay there."

Ryul gave a grateful nod, "Thanks. I hope you'll believe us."

As he turned away, Amelia stepped closer to me. Her eyes held mine with an intensity that made my chest tighten. "Darx," She said softly, "I have no doubt Queen Zara is sincere—this isn't a trap," She paused and took a deep breath as if steadying herself for what she would say next, "But if it somehow is... I won't betray you this time. I'll stand by your side no matter what or against whom."

The conviction in her words took me by surprise.

"I-I see…" I replied.

Amelia bit her lip before pulling away to follow Ryul up the stairs. Their footsteps faded into silence as we were left alone once more.

Zaine's eyes bore into me, frustration simmering beneath the surface. I could feel her struggle with the weight of everything we'd heard.

"Darx," She said finally, her voice strained, "What do you think?"

My mind was torn between possibilities—the risk of betrayal and the hope that we could finally find answers for Zaine to restore her memory.

"Let's discuss this somewhere else," I suggested, knowing we needed distance from Ryul and Amelia to sort out the chaos in our heads.

As Sunshine returned to my shoulder with a huff, Zaine gave a curt nod. Together, we made our way out to our room.

Once there, Sunshine's voice broke the silence first, sharp and incredulous, "You can't seriously be considering this bullshit! It's a fucking setup, plain and simple!"

I felt her tiny fists pound against my shoulder in frustration. I glanced at Zaine, who was watching me closely, waiting for my thoughts. Her gaze was intense, but I could see the uncertainty behind it.

"They're both willing to go very far if this is indeed a trap," Zaine said, her voice edged with suspicion, "Darx, what do you think? Do you believe them?"

I hesitated, "I don't know," I admitted, "It does sound like a trap... but what if it's not? If Queen Zara can really help you regain your memory—"

Zaine's expression shifted slightly; there was a flicker of hope mingled with doubt, "It's a high risk," She replied carefully.

"You're going soft!" Sunshine interrupted angrily, buzzing in front of me until her wings were a blur, "Lemme remind you what happened last time—those assholes nearly got you killed! I'm telling ya, they're just using your friends to lure you back into their claws."

Her words hit hard, reopening wounds I thought had begun to heal. But somewhere deep inside, the trust I have in Ryul made me hesitate.

"The situation is different now. Kase is dead, and maybe they really don't see me as an enemy anymore." I said quietly.

Zaine crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing thoughtfully, "What if it is a trap, and we go to the capital anyway? What happens then?"

I met her eyes, understanding the weight behind her question, "You mean, can we win a battle if it comes to that?"

Zaine nodded, her expression serious.

"In theory," I said slowly, "We could fight our way out. But if Zhoran and Guildmaster Aelbrecht are involved, then I don't know. They are wildcards."

"Aelbrecht?" Zaine's brow furrowed as she considered the unfamiliar name.

"He's known as the strongest S-Rank in history," I explained, "No one really knows what he's capable of for sure."

Sunshine let out an exasperated groan, "Didn't I tell ya?! Suicidal! And who's this Assbreath guy anyway?"

"Even with Aelbrecht and Zhoran involved," Zaine pressed on, "Do you think we still have a chance?"

I nodded slowly, thinking through each possibility. My mind ran over every detail—the potential threats, our own strengths. It was a gamble, no matter how I looked at it.

"It's risky," I admitted, "But not impossible."

Sunshine puffed up indignantly, her wings flickering with agitation, "You guys are nuts! You're gonna waltz right into their trap because maybe you think you can fight your way out?"

Zaine uncrossed her arms, "If there's even a chance I can get my memories back... it's worth considering."

"Unless there's a way we can go," I suggested, "And still have an escape plan ready."

Zaine's eyes narrowed, calculating and intense, "What do you mean? Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes, but I'll need your help, Zaine," I replied.