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Asmodel

"(There it is. Halish Ser)," said Zardes with a sigh. "(Finally)."

The port town did not look very special in its own, aside from the fact that it was founded beside the vast sea of molten rock, the Underworld version of the sea above. Like the port town of Pol Hain, it was also a town of culture, though defining the word 'culture' was quite a unique definition when it was about an Underworld port.

As it was established beside the sea of molten rock, it was one of the most illuminated towns in the whole Outer Ring area. Even if it was called a port town, it was not a fisherman's village, for obvious reasons. There, aside from the trade business, was the passage to other parts of the Outer Ring.

The only part of the Underworld 'sea' where the molten rock did not seem to be was the looming wall that separated the Circles and the Outer Ring. The Circles were a world of its own, and within it, the sea of molten rock was different. It was best for them not to think of that matter. The group needed to get across.

After a couple of wrong turns and a pile of bodies (their journey weren't exactly death-free, mind you), the group finally reached Halish Ser. They were dirty, exhausted, and pretty much wanted a good rest. As it was hard to determine when's night and day in the Underworld, they rested when they felt they could not continue without a couple hours of sleep. The only one who did not seem to need that much sleep was Belial. He only had a couple of naps, with the longest being two hours, before he was awake feeling fully rested. Thus, during their travels and stops out in the wilderness, he was always the one who would be first watch. Though, due to the need of someone to deactivate his prison suit's restraining system, someone needed to be up along with him.

Of everyone, Belial did not seem to get along with Malkar, though they exchanged banters and sometimes mocked each other. It did not escalate into something hostile, but the tension was clear. Gehen was also another who Belial did not seem to get along, but it was mostly because both his interpreters (Malkar and Damos) were asleep when Gehen was up. He wasn't the best in talking, but he was there. At least he could write so he could communicate. Belial was quite neutral with Zardes, Ammon, and Damos. However, he did not seem to realize Ammon looking at him in a very peculiar way.

Despite of it all, the group reached Halish Ser, and had started booking a room for them to stay before the apparently long journey to the Ashen Kingdom. They were given a communal room for everyone to fit in, which did not matter for them, as they did not have that much money to buy private rooms for each.

In the communal room, they started discussing things. The most prominent discussion, however, was between Ammon and Gehen, with Damos as interpreter.

"(I am convinced about who you are now)," said Ammon towards Gehen. "(I did not think it's true, but you're...an Ashen Sorcerer, aren't you?)"

Damos was confused about this, but Gehen, who seemed to be reluctant about it, was hesitant to say anything through his signs.

"(You can't hide this fact from an Ash Priest, Gehen)," said Ammon. "(I know you try to avoid giving away your greatest secret, and situation does not seem to give you the chance for it)."

Gehen sighed and signed a response, which Damos interpreted as, "(Does it matter? My kind is already extinct anyway)."

"(You're...the last Ashen Sorcerer?)" said Ammon with surprise.

"(As far as I know)," signed Gehen. "(Even if they are still alive, I doubt they want to be involved with an Ash Priest. Especially not if they are self-righteous)."

"(What does he mean, Ammon?)" asked Damos.

"(Do you think of me as self-righteous, then?)" asked Ammon.

"(If you are, then why bother with me?)" said Gehen through Damos. "(No. I don't think you are like the other Ash Priests. In fact, you have your own reasons to be out here, far from the ash's embrace)."

"(I...)." Ammon did not say anything more. Even then, Damos had things to say.

"(Ashen Sorcerer? Gehen never called himself that)."

"(They have quite a reputation back home)," said Ammon as he turned to Gehen. "(Most of it not good)."

Gehen made signs which said, "(I assure you. I am not that kind of Sorcerer)."

"(Yeah, I believe you)." He returned to Damos. "(Ashen Sorcerers are ash hounds with a special ability to manipulate ash. We Ash Priests are the only ones trained to detect the traces of manipulation and trace them. I have been trained to detect the magic signature, but Gehen is a Sorcerer skilled enough to use a small amount of ash. So, for that, I commend you)."

Gehen signed, "(Thank you)."

"(If we come upon several Ash Priests, I will vouch for you. Even if Sorcerers have a bad reputation, not all are)."

"(I still have questions, though)," asked Damos. "(About you, Ammon. I know demon bats use blood to control others, but I never met one with a craving like you)."

"(I think it's connected with how I am burned under sunlight, and how my ability of control is far greater than most demon bats. But other than that, I don't know)."

"(Maybe the Texts will give you an answer to the mystery)?" signed Gehen.

"(I suppose so. Well, until then, let's just enjoy this little travel, shall we?)"

"(You enjoy this merry band?)"

"(I've traveled alone most of my time since I was hunted by many hellhounds. I know I have friends I can rely upon, but this is the first time I have allies who always have your backs)."

"(Good for you, then)," said Damos with a smile.

While the three were discussing things, Belial and Zardes walked around town to find information about ships going to the Ashen Kingdom. There were a couple, but they were still traveling. The trade to and from the port was still very minimal as the ash hounds were not open to outsiders. The two decided that waiting in the port was the best decision, given that going to a different port would not ensure a different situation.

"And while we're waiting, those fuckers might've found us and attack us," said Belial as they walked back to the inn.

"And considering the collateral damage, it might not be the best," said Zardes.

They then walked around town, trying their best to stay anonymous. To get to know Belial better, Zardes started talking to the Infernal.

"You know, Belial...about your exorcism back at the hunter's town..."

"Hmm?"

"I almost thought that you'd kill the Asmodian and the host. Why didn't you?"

"What's the point? The body's the one that'll die. The asshole borrowing the body won't."

"Yes, I know that. But, you have a chance to kill the host. Why save him?"

Belial scoffed. "What? You though that because I'm an Infernal, I choose the murder route? Well, yeah, I know it's easier to kill him, but what gain do I get?"

"But you are a demon. You're clearly not acting like one. I mean, just some days before, you did not hesitate on ripping the heart of a hapless cannibal and ate his heart right in front of his people. Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Look, just because I'm a demon, doesn't mean I choose the obvious result. I simply have a choice. In fact, I think it's amusing to wonder what happens next. Will he simply die because of his injuries, or live on being traumatized by the injuries that wasn't even his? If that is not demonic enough, I don't know what is."

"I think that you're aware of your state as a mortal. I know your soul is going to go back to the fifth Circle, but I doubt that you will be given as much privilege as a living demon. It seems that you are trying to know how it feels like to be mortal, to know that, like us, you are afraid to die."

Belial scoffed. "You're talking bullshit."

"No one alive is not afraid to die. Even a cold-hearted serial killer who cherished death is afraid to die, either because they cannot continue their work or because of the realization of what they have done. I am afraid to die for selfish reasons, too, and to be honest with you, I can't imagine what will happen to me down there."

"Let me give you a hint. There's a special place in the lower circles for Underworld kinds like you," said Belial. "But, you're right. I am selfish, and yes, I cannot die now, because I am a demon prince. Can you imagine one of those lowly beasts controlling my domain? Well, I have a feeling they are now, and I think it's already in ruins, now."

"Oh, but it isn't, dear brother."

Belial then turned towards a demonic figure, with a feline face and wings much like the Asmodian he banished before. He was walking as if there wasn't a care in the world.

"Having a little too much fun with your toy, Belial?" he said while caressing Belial's suit. "Those second circle demons have quite a thing for...an all-purpose fun. Don't you think so, brother?"

"Asmodel," said Belial with a growl. "What do you want?"

"What else? I just want to visit you, dear brother," said Asmodel while making a toothy grin. "I know of your attempts to find those Texts. I know you're trying to find a way to get ahead, even if that means risking your domain to your other siblings. I think it's time you find a better-suited leader, don't you think?"

"Don't you fucking taunt me, Asmodel. I'm warning you," said Belial while pointing towards the winged feline demon menacingly.

"And for me, you are as simple-minded as that grunt you forcefully return," said Asmodel. "Do you really think I won't know? That grunt may look like a foot soldier, but he was one of my inner circles. Your enemies are quite desperate to pull one of my commanders away from the front line."

"Well, I did you a favor, didn't I?" said Belial. "You got back your commander. Might as well start a good fight."

"If it was me, I would use a binding seal to keep him here and take the advantage away from me. Of course, I would know, but that proves your simple-mindedness."

Belial was clearly annoyed by this. He tried to change the subject by saying, "Why are you here, Asmodel?"

"To see your progress, dear brother," said Asmodel with a smile. "And to give you a warning. Those Texts are not what you think they are."

"Why? Will it cause a serious shift of power in the Fifth Circle?"

"It has that potential, but I know more, dear brother. I'm afraid it's more than just family matter. Just let me tell you this, Belial. Don't pursue the Texts or there will be reckoning."

"Are you threatening me, Asmodel?"

"'Threatening' is not the right word. I know this will fall into deaf ears, especially with your temper and determination. I also know that you need proof to be sure. It shows you how long we've known each other, hmm?"

"Fuck off."

Asmodel chuckled. "Well, if you're still determined to go and get the Texts, I won't stop you. These cultists will, however. Just don't blame me when the time comes."

With that, the demon walked away from them, leaving the two behind (and some confused townspeople). Belial and Zardes were equally confused by his warning. What would happen if they get the Texts?

"Hey. Is it true, then?" said Zardes when they are eating in the pub. "About what your brother said."

"Are you trusting a demon's words?"

"Hey, I'm a demon, too."

"Not in our eyes. First rule of business. You don't trust demons, especially one whose title is the Prince of Wickedness like him. Also, I thought you don't use that term anymore."

"We are in the Underworld, so there's nothing wrong with it. But yeah, we don't use it anymore in the surface world, not if you don't want to offend surfaceborns or hybrids. I mean, they are not demons, per se, especially if they don't live down here. How did you know they don't use the D-word, anyway?"

"I just know, alright? What matters now is how the fuck is Asmodel getting involved with this."

"Well, they summoned one of his subjects, so given how you describe him, it's not surprising."

"No, I think I prefer to think that Asmodel is involving himself in this. Those cultists...they were not his."

"Does your brother have a demonic cult worshipping him?"

"There_are_ demonic cults worshipping me, so why not? What I don't understand is why Asmodel's worshippers are trying to find ash hounds and Fuzandres like Ammon. For all I know, he does not care of anything other than his kind."

"Like you said earlier. Don't trust a Circle Demon," said Zardes. He finished up the last of his food and stood up. "Come on. We need to talk about Asmodel with the others."

"I suggest you don't."

"Why? If that brother of yours is going to be a problem..."

"No, he won't," said Belial sharp. "You worry about saving your own lives. I worry about my brother. Got it? Just make it simple."

Zardes was surprised by this. Asmodel's appearance somehow changed Belial from the 'I don't give a fuck' kind of person to 'not your fucking business' type of person. It seemed that somehow, the prince's appearance unsettled Belial a bit.

Either way, they both knew that they were fighting against cultists, not some random hellhound with a death wish. That would explain their fixation in targeting Ammon and Gehen, both natives of the Ashen Lands. Asmodel, the prince, ruler, and template of what was called the Asmodians, was also somehow involved. His involvement unsettled Belial, and for once Zardes felt that the demon was unsure about continuing. Also, that cryptic warning hid something sinister.

The more he thought about it, the more confused he became, especially since it all started with the pursuit of archaeological research. They never would've thought that their little attempt on research turned into a dangerous adventure involving a Fuzandre, a mute Ashen Sorcerer, and a Circle Demon in a bondage suit. Now, with the addition of a Circle Demon who happened to be 'brothers' with Belial warning them off the Texts, the adventure became even more complex, and Zardes was right in the middle of it. Even worse, he did not know anything.

Still, they could not do anything until the boats from the Ashen Kingdom arrived back to the port. So, to kill time, they decided to wait around Halish Ser and get to know each other a bit more. It was not some very eventful two days, given that Halish Ser had no cult activity (at least in front of closed doors) and the town was okay, with simple hellhounds doing their own day business.

As the others went on their businesses, Belial, who seemed to delight on making sly remarks, slowly became serious and sullen. It was not noticeable at first, but it slowly became clear that Asmodel's warning about the Texts started to cause him to question his own goals. Zardes could see that he normally tried to provoke Malkar, but this time, he just sat on his bed with a serious expression.

"(Having a bad day, isn't he?)" said Malkar when he noticed Belial's change. "(Got nothing to kill?)"

"(Come on, Mal. I don't know you'd be an asshole, too)."

"(Guess he rubbed on me. What happened?)"

"(His brother came and say hello. He does not like it)."

"(A little family problem, then?)"

"(I think it's more than a squabble)."

"(My suggestion? Talk to him. I know he's a dangerous demon, but I have a feeling that he's willing to talk)."

"(What make you so sure about that?)"

"(I've read many things about how circle demons are not doing well when it comes to feelings. I mean, they are demons punishing the damned, so feelings are not really their thing. I think Belial's having a little taste of that)."

"(I think it's fair for him to see mortal life)," said Zardes. "(I'll try talking to him. Thanks)."

"(Don't say it's me, though. He won't stop pestering me about that. Also, I don't want my heart ripped out)."

Zardes knew that Malkar was joking, but with Belial, there was a possibility.

The hellhound did what his friend suggested and approached Belial, who sat on his bed contemplating.

"Hey, if you need to talk about Asmodel, I'll be glad to listen," said Zardes.

"I told you to mind your own damn business," said Belial. "Stop snooping around someone else's business."

"You did say that we need to concentrate on surviving, right? Well, that brother of yours might be planning something that could as well kill us. So, just tell me about it."

Belial seemed to be adamant to keep silent, but he soon changed his mind and, with a sigh, said, "We are at war with each other."

"And he's here to warn you off the Texts so that he can claim it on his own."

"You see, that's the thing that I'd think, too," said Belial. "But no. He's warning me off from the Texts because he knows something I do not. That something worries him. I hate to talk about this, but seeing him act like that...almost make me wonder."

"This war of yours...is it to your plan?"

"I think 'stalemate' is the right word here. Fifth Circle demons like us are constantly targeting each other. If it's not my own people, then my siblings will try something. See, that's why I hate my siblings. I can't help it. They can be loud, foul, and even sadistic. They know how to pack a punch, and they are not afraid to say something out of their minds. But Asmodel's different. I have a feeling that he's testing me in many ways possible, and I hate it. What's worse, Asmodel does not fall into one of those categories, and that makes him an unpredictable asshole. But, for some reasons, today, when I met him...he seemed to be trying to warn me about the Texts. I've known him for so long, but this is new. Between all of us, he's the one whose expression's hard to read."

"Felines. You'll never know what they're thinking. Cait Siths are no different."

"That is why I am thinking about it. Like I said, don't trust a demon's word, unless that demon thinks with his fists instead of his brains. Asmodel is a dangerous demon, and to be fair, I don't want to be involved in his schemes. But...."

"(You need to, because getting involved with him is the same with giving him a way to move forward, while you're also at war with him."

"Which is why I told you this is not your business. Now, with Asmodel involved, who knows if the others are going to get in and find the price. Even worse, what if he was not the only sibling attempting this? My absence has surely been known to everyone in the Fifth Circle. They might try and eliminate me by misdirecting me."

"Then for your best interest, let me suggest something," said Zardes. "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I've read it in a book somewhere, but it's stuck in my head, especially if you know your line of work and your origin will guarantee you enemies. For a hellhound dragon rider, some people will not appreciate your worth. They only see you as demons who are pretending that they rule the skies with their dragon partner. No. When you are aware of that, you don't simply say, 'Oh you're wrong, and I'm gonna prove it to you'. No. You simply do whatever you do best, and when the times come, your enemies will either be convinced that you are not what you seem to be, or...you dispose of them, for showing their weakness."

"Huh," said Belial. "That's one fine advice. You're an advisor or something?"

"More like a warning, Belial," said Zardes with a serious expression. "This is what Asmodel will try to do to you. He said it himself. You're a simple-minded brute."

"Well, thanks for that."

"And he knows that you won't know of his true plan until it's too late. So, for now, keep an eye on Asmodel while I'll be your judge of character. You need me...no, you need us if you wish to continue and not getting your ass kicked."

"That's some bold words from my captor." Belial then showed Zardes his smooth, skintight body. "Even if I want to do things myself, I still have this fucking suit ready to fuck me with a push of a button. So, for now, I think I'll say that you know what you're doing."

"A little trust won't hurt."

"Not if you're a 3000 years old demon sleeping with one eye closed. But yeah. Between you and me, I think we need it."

Zardes smiled and patted his shoulder, with Belial smiling back. It may look weird and terrifying to see the face of a goat smiling and showing a row of teeth similar to that of a carnivore, but for a hellhound, it was nothing strange. He was just glad that he and Belial could find something to agree upon.

Still, Zardes did not wish to see that his advice would be taken wrongly. Like the hellhound said, Asmodel was untrustworthy and worth watching, but what if it was in fact true? If that was the case, then they were already making a mistake by thinking that Belial was a simple-minded brute.

Like Belial said. Never trust a demon. Not even an ally.