Betrayal

The approach to the castle goes surprisingly quickly, avoiding the patrols is not a problem, even with a giant red oni alongside you. You’re also surprised to find the castle standing open and unguarded. Wary of traps, the five of you slip inside, making your way to the throne room doors.

You’re about to open them when Uzume stops you. “Let us go first, Josh. Don’t risk yourself when Clarissa and I are here. Why else bring us, right?”

Clarissa nods. “Between my armor and Uzume’s…everything, we can handle a surprise.”

You nod. “Fine. I’ll stand aside this time. Don’t get hurt, please…”

Uzume grins, taking a fighting stance in front of the door beside Clarissa. You, Maya and Kali stand aside, and you ready your sword.

Rather than open the door normally, Uzume slams a foot into the oaken double doors, sending them open with a crash. You hear a couple clicks as crossbows fire, and several bolts strike the pair. A couple clatter harmlessly off Clarissa’s armor, and a couple sink into Uzume’s shoulder and stomach. The Oni doesn’t even seem to notice, as the pair of them step into the room.

You hear a voice boom out. “So, the deviant king doesn’t even come himself? He sends a couple of his freaks after me?”

You step around the corner, and look at the scene before you. Clarissa and Uzume are swiftly incapacitating the four crossbow men inside the room, but you only see the large man on the throne. Tall and muscular, he has a sword laying in his lap as he sneers down at you. Beside him is a figure in concealing robes, who doesn’t react to what’s happening in the room.

You glare at the man on the throne, who you assume must be Darius. “Normally I’d ask for an apology, but we’re well past that aren’t we. Big talk from a man who sends assassins to do his dirty work, though.”

Darius spits. “You’re not worthy of my attention. Betraying humanity by consorting with freaks? Humans are superior!”

The sound of fighting fades as Uzume and Clarissa dispatch the last guards. “For someone who thinks humans are superior, you sure do a good job getting your people slaughtered. You rule an empty city now.”

He looks confused, glancing at the robed figure beside him. “W-what? I didn’t…they were supposed to be a horde, unstoppable!”

You shake your head. “My army is besieging the city. Your unstoppable horde was slaughtered, almost entirely. They wouldn’t surrender.”

Darius turns to the still unmoving figure. “You promised you would enhance my power! You said this would work!”

You hear laughter as the hooded figure turns to Darius. “I lied. You never had a chance in this war. But your bigotry is easy to manipulate. Now Josh will get no manpower from your conquered nation.”

You step closer. “You! Who are you?”

The robed figure laughs, reaching for their hood. You notice their hands are covered in runes. As they pull the hood away, you see a familiar face, also rune-covered, and twisted in a smile.

You growl, recognizing him immediately. “Marcus!”

Marcus bows, still grinning. “Now you won’t grow to become a threat to the Triumvirate anytime soon. Good luck with the demon lord, though!”

Several runes on his face and hands glow, and he vanishes, leaving only echoing laughter behind. Sighing you turn to Darius. “That leaves you, I’m afraid. Can you release the thrall on what people are left? You were being used, as you can see now.”

Darius looks at you, his face twitching. “No. No! This is your fault somehow! You must die for this!”

He leaps to his feet, brandishing his sword. You don’t even move as he charges, instead simply lifting your left hand. “I warned you of consequences for attacking me. Promise made…”

Black flame leaps from your hand, immolating him as he approaches. The twisted, charred sword clatters to the ground amid his ashes. “…promise kept.”

You sigh. “We won, and so much was lost. I should have expected one of the powers to stick their nose in. So many people dead.”

Maya hugs you. “I’m sorry, my Josh. But don’t blame yourself. Remember this and use it.”

Uzume nods, idly pulling the bolts from her body. “Make the demon lord and the triumvirate pay for what they did. They’re the real enemy.”

Kali sighs. “It’s their doing, and it’s why we fight. You’re the hope for a better world, Josh.”

Clarissa speaks up. “Agreed. This was a tragedy, but not of your making.”

You smile. “Thanks, girls. Let’s go see if people are recovering, and collect the others.”