FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

*****

Novallier was livid. He made that clear as he slammed his palms against the table, his nails digging into the polished wood and his jaw set so hard that he could have caused his gums to bleed. "The Caecus Sorores!?" He cast a baleful stare at all those gathered. "Whose idea was this!?"

No one spoke though all eyes went to Inquisitor Warton. The small conference room in Novallier's townhouse was crowded with the number of guards and people Novallier demanded answers from. Warton was accompanied by five of his Custodia Puria while Yulanda and Tynvandar both had their Custodia Deos. Novallier had two Custodia Solis and Deos of his own. The only two that remained unguarded where Harm and Aria.

"No one?" Novallier demanded. "Are you telling me that none of you ordered a contract on Valk's head!?"

Again, no one spoke.

"Let me ask you this, then..." Novallier narrowed a gaze at Harm. "How did you know about the hit and why were you dressed like a common backpacker from Haven? And what did you do with the throne I had commissioned for you?"

Harm smiled, gazing absently at the ceiling. "The throne was a little too gaudy for me. I would prefer to stand. At my age, sitting down increases the risk of never getting up. In fact..." He leapt to his feet, grinning broadly and making exaggerated steps around the room. "Who wants to join me for Pilates?"

"Sit down, Harm," Aria said calmly.

He crouched down beside her, placing his chin on her lap. "Can I has belly rub?" he asked in a sweet, mocking tone.

"No."

"What if I bark?"

"Absolutely not."

"Howl?"

"Harm..."

"Bury my bone?"

"Absolutely not!"

Aria shoved him aside roughly. Yulanda and Tynvandar were trying hard to hide their laughter but failing miserably. Novallier was not amused and Warton was on the verge of drawing his power sword and slashing Harm's throat there and then.

"Answer the question, Chronos," Novallier demanded. "How did you know about the Blind Sisters?"

Harm rose, dusting off some imaginary specks from his pinstriped pants. "I spend most of the night incognito in the protestors' camp trying to find out more about this Dawn's Champion. From what I gather, some people are actually dissatisfied with Valk's attempts at peace talks. A few of them actually spoke about the Champion and from some snooping, I learned that the Champion hopes to get Valk assassinated."

"How will that serve his cause?" Yulanda asked. When the eyes were turned to her, she lowered her head but not her eyes. She was peering curiously at them why trying to appear meek.

"It will incite a war," Novallier said, lowering himself into his seat and pressing his fingers together, forming the a vague tent. "Valk has the hearts and minds of the non-human population. Not just this Station but others too. If he were to be assassinated, it would make him a martyr and give rise to a rebellion all across Tower Thirteen." He slammed his fist into the desk, the sound shaking the entire room. "Have they no value of life?"

The air in the room was grim. No one wanted to voice just how close they had come to a full-blown rebellion. Valk had to survive until the peace talks at the very least. The scant hope of resolving the issue peacefully was hope nonetheless.

Each face in the room read differently.

Warton's perpetually angry expression spoke of his desire to see Valk dead and use the power of the Inquisition to stem any would be rebels. No doubt he believed that Valk was the heart of the Justitae Ignibus and without him, the rest would wither and die in a matter of weeks.

Yulanda seemed more concerned about being involved, her eyes trying to read everyone's faces just as Harm was. Her rapid breathing indicated she was excited to be involved in some way shape or form. Her brother, Tynvandar, was afraid and he hid behind his guardians, peeking through the golden armour of the Deos to see if all was safe.

Aria was stoic as ever and Novallier was pondering quietly.

Harm took a breath and broke the silence.

"Valk offered Henry a position in his Estuans Oculus."

"His what?" Aria asked.

"His personal guard. Apparently the military arm of the Justitae Ignibus. He's got about a hundred trained soldiers under his wing that are dedicated to defending him."

Warton rose to his feet, sounding appalled but the slight curve in his lips indicated he was pleased with this news. "An army? That's cause for retribution!" He turned his eyes towards Novallier who winced under the glaring, red gaze of his artificial eye. "Your Holiness, I can have a dozen Inquisition ships here to stem the Oculus and arrest Valk -"

"No!" Novallier snapped. "This gives us a rare opportunity. Chronos, that effectively places you in Valk's inner circle."

The Chronomancer's gentle smile remained in place. He crossed his arms and perked his ears. "You want me to spy on him."

The Apex Clericus Solis hesitated. One eye seemed to scream with determination while the other was filled with doubt and plagued by a guilty conscience. His lips were hard set, almost invisible against his light, copper flesh. "Yes. As much as I want these negotiations to progress without issue, I want them to end in our favour." Novallier cupped his head in his hands. "Sun Goddess forgive me for my avarice..."

"You have the good of Incendius at heart," Aria answered. "This event brings to our awareness that Valk cannot be merely assassinated." She threw a dagger-like stare at Warton who met her gaze with his own defiant glare. "Harm will act not only as our informant to the Justitae Ignibus but also as Valk's personal guard. I doubt this 'Estuans Oculus' is equipped to fight a demonic host. Having Harm there will easily tip the balance towards Valk's survival."

The Inquisitor rose to his feet, kicking back his chair in a huff. The wooden frame clattered to the ground. The noise made little Tynvandar flinch. "I would sooner trust the demons to grow a heart than entrust this dog with the safety of a diplomat!" He pointed at Harm who remained smiling blissfully away.

"Know your place, Inquisitor," Novallier snapped, his fists clenched. "So far, Lord Chronos is the only one who has shown results. He has saved my son and daughter and just saved Valk's life. I am inclined to side with him more than your raging and ranting."

"You would trust a filthy Chronomancer over a devoted Inquisitor?" Warton growled.

Tension was thick and Novallier quickly found himself backed into a corner. Denial would make him seem weak in front of the Inquisitor and defiance would invoke the Inquisition's wrath.

Harm quickly yawned, bringing all attention to himself. "Can you really blame him?" He flashed Warton a toothy grin followed by a quick batting of his eyes. "I am cute and fluffy after all. Anyone would warm over to me eventually. Don't you just want to scratch my belly?"

The Inquisitor was quick to scowl and storm out of the room, followed by his Puria. There was a slight smile on his features but that disappeared the moment he shook his head and slammed the door behind him.

Harm bowed lazily towards Novallier, taking his leave without so much a word. Aria followed him through the brightly lit hallways of the townhouse and columns of Custodia that littered every avenue and corridor. The fresh air of Clockwork was a welcome change to the stifling smell of sweat, steel and spell.

That air was touched by the scent of canine and ice.

"Novallier's concerns are valid," Leandros murmured, unfolding his arms. The massive Lupus pushed off the wall, looming over the doorframe and both Aria and Harm. "You are notorious for extending a paw of friendship while pulling the strings of mortal hearts with your other."

"That's not a very nice thing to say to an Angel," Harm replied, his innocent, gentle smile on his features. "And a Templar no less."

"He was referring to you, Lord Chronos," Aria said, emphasising his title. "As one who shares a similar rank to him, you should be accustomed to the intrigues of court, Lord Leandros von Lupus."

Exchanging glances with Leandros, Harm could hear Aria's message clearly. The world was won with sword, spell and speech not just one or the other.

"As I've always said," he said, "War is a juggling act. In one hand a sword, in the other a shield, in a third your people's hearts and in a fourth, your enemies' balls."

Leandros let out a barking laugh, the many daggers jingling around his waist. "Well spoken. Though with you, it is very difficult to tell who your enemies are and which is the sword or the shield."

"Look who's talking," Harm answered, grinning broadly. "With you, it's all sword so when you pull something different, it's always a surprise."

The strange glint touched the Lupus's eyes "I sense a challenge in your tone, Chronos."

His grin growing broader, Harm nodded towards the clock tower. With his right paw, he pulled out a small cylindrical switch. "First one to the top gets to push this big red button."

"And what does the button do?" Aria asked, somehow unperturbed by the appearance of the ominous button.

"That's the fun of it," he answered, tossing the switch into the air. "Do you want to win and get the honours? Or will winning put the blame on you for something I did? If you see me trying my best, is it something worth obtaining or if I'm lagging behind, am I doing it on purpose?"

She unslung Gungnir from where it hung over her shoulder. "Or perhaps winning will prevent you from causing unmitigated pain and suffering."

He smirked and turned towards the clock tower. "Maybe. Ready?"

"Just like old times," Leandros laughed, drawing his daggers and turning to face the clock tower. "Set."

Aria whispered, "Gungnir." Her spear sprang to life, brilliant white wings springing from the sides of the shaft just beneath the spearhead. "Go."

*****

Yulanda collapsed to her hands and knees, sweat rolling down her brow. Singes scarred her flesh and her rough spun, civilian clothes were ripped to shreds around her arms and legs. A drop of blood landed on a blade of grass right beneath her nose. The weight of her life pushed the blade to the ground, letting the hungry, dry earth soak up the crimson droplet.

Strength faded from her arms and she collapsed to the ground, her entire body shaking as she fought to keep consciousness. The world blurred in front of her but she surprisingly kept her eyes open.

Harm Chronos sat down beside her, crouching casually while Timekeeper rested several feet away, embedded directly into the centre of the perfectly circular clearing. Yulanda's ragged breaths were ignored for a moment as he turned his golden eyes towards the blade.

"Is it so bad?" he asked softly. "Is your guilt so strong that you'll sit there even should your world burn?" His answer came and a small chuckled left his muzzle. "True. But your world is one of your own creation. How will you react when her world burns? Especially the one that she fought so hard to protect?"

"I want... I want to fight..." Yulanda's slurred words came to his ears.

Smiling gently, the Chronomancer reached behind him into the backpack he had been carrying as 'Henry'. Inside, he pulled two, soft, warm bread buns marked with the insignia of Incendius burned lightly onto the glossy surface. He offered it to Yulanda. Her nostrils flared at the scent of the freshly cooked bread. A last burst of strength had her snatch the bun from his paws and she gobbled it down greedily.

He bit into the bun himself, savouring the taste and the warmth on his tongue.

"Eow!"

Yulanda immediately spat out the piece of bread she had halfway devoured, sticking out her tongue as a soft crackling sound hit the clearing.

"What is this!?" she demanded, staring at the odd, red candy rocks inside the bun.

Harm spat out his own bite and tossed the rest of the bun aside. The soft circular piece of bread landed at the base of Timekeeper. "During the coming of the Brave Farmer, it was known as a 'Fire Flour Bun'. Those little candy balls in there are actually infused with magical energy that will help your body recover. During the Sunlit March, these buns were devoured constantly to maintain the strength of the soldiers as they pushed the Darkened to the South."

She held the bun at arm's length and then pulled it close for a curious sniff. A deep sigh escaped her and she took another reluctant bite, forcing herself to swallow. "Why have I never heard of these before?"

"A lot was lost after the end of the Sunshadow War," Harm answered, the small smile on his muzzle obtaining a sad taint. He gazed up into the starry sky, watching a sea of blinking lights slowly move across the darkness of the Void. "Many stories were left untold. Others were lost in time. There was this particular story that always tugs at my heart." He placed his right paw against his chest. "You want to hear it?"

"Whilst I recover, I would willingly do anything to take my mind off the pain in my body," she answered with a deep groan. She tried to sit up but overbalanced and landed on her back, staring up at the sky.

"You know the story about Brave Farmer, right? It's essentially the creation myth of Incendius after the Sundering that tore our world from a single, united place to the thirteen fragments of Tower Thirteen. The Darkened are the evil shadowy beasts that inhabited these sunless lands. The human and non-human inhabitants that were stranded here tried their best to hold their own but the Darkened were strong. With the power of shadows, they could seize the life of others and suck them dry, turning them into gaseous, shadowy beasts that could suck others of their life or inhabit the bodies of the dead and grant them supernatural strength."

"Wraiths and shades..." Yulanda whispered softly.

"Right. The 'people of the light' as they liked to be called were being pushed back. Even when the Church arrived in their starships, they could do little against the Darkened who were infinite in numbers and whose touch could kill. Even the creation of the Custodia Lupus and Vampiri could do little to stem the flood of darkness. All the people were pushed back to what is now Corona, the capital of Incendius for one last fragment of defence."

"Then... the Brave Farmer came," she added, smiling brightly. "He lost his family to the Darkened and he was far behind enemy lines. However, he was blessed by the Sun Goddess Apollia and possessed the power of Fire Magic whereas none others held this power. He cleaved a wrathful path to the survivors and united them under the Sun Goddess. When the sun rose, he was at his strongest. When it set, he was the beacon of light in the darkness. Over several days, he pushed the Darkened back to their citadel in the Southern Frostenlands. But at that moment, the Darkened amassed their armies and began to push back. Unwilling to yield ground, the Brave Farmer gave one last push and entered the heart of their citadel where he faced off against the King of the Darkened, Malefor. There, he called all the might of the Sun Goddess and she answered.

"She came down herself and cast her light in the darkness. Her might shattered the Darkened citadel and broke their shadows. All that is left now is a crater of glassy blackness known as the Concave of Shadows." Yulanda suddenly sat up, nodding as she took another bite from her bun. "These truly work."

"Indeed," Harm chuckled. "But Apollia's descent came at a price. The Brave Farmer died in the blast. Saddened by her most loyal follower's sacrifice and loss, Apollia made a covenant with the people of the light. She would never leave their side. So, she travelled to Corona, built the Sun Spire and stood at its top, forever shining across the lands. She would never leave."

He cast his eyes down to the grass, running a paw over the blades. They tickled his palms, bringing memories of a time when he sat in this very clearing with a friend, promising to meet every chance they got. Again, his eyes went to Timekeeper and he recalled his friend planting his blade where the golden sword was now.

"I once had a friend who lived here. During the Sunshadow War, he too had a family. However, his wife died to the Darkened and his daughter had joined the Church. He didn't want to take part in the war."

"Why not?"

"Because he had lost too much already. He blamed himself for his wife's death." Harm smiled at Yulanda. "Don't get me wrong, he was very strong. Comaprible to the Brave Farmer in my opinion. But his heart was wracked with guilt. All he wanted was just to live alone with his guilt. He was ready to leave... then..." His smile grew sadder, almost a frown. "Something happened."

Yulanda leaned forward, her wounds all but healed. "What?"

"His daughter joined the war." Harm turned his eyes back towards Timekeeper. "Adramelech couldn't bear to add his daughter's death to his guilt and he joined the war himself." He pointed at his blade. "We met here one last time. Every time we met, he would plant his sword right there, just where Timekeeper is now and I would stand there..." He pointed near the clearing's edge. "This time though, we stood side by side and we wished each other farewell for we both knew he wouldn't be returning."

The look on Yulanda's face showed a mix of surprise and sorrow. "Why? The Brave Farmer would have saved them, right? There were not too many losses."

"Time is unmoving but at the same time subjective, Yulanda. Adra was set on his path. He had a falling out with his daughter over his inaction in the war. There was only one way he could make amends. At least that's how he saw it. He planned to enter that war and die with his guilt."

The girl that had seemed so eager to learn was suddenly withdrawn. For a moment, all she did was look at where Timekeeper stood before turning her gaze back towards the distant clock tower. "My mother passed into the afterlife not long after Tynvandar was born. My little brother was lucky never to have memories of her but even today, I feel like I could have done something to save her. I don't ever want to feel that helpless again."

The connections were drawn and Harm could see Yulanda's eyes slowly opening to the truth of her heart. He let her mull over her thoughts for a few moments longer and turned towards his small monument to the friendship he once shared.

"Is my father like your friend?" she asked suddenly. "Is he just so paralysed by guilt that he is unwilling to move? Am I like that man's daughter? Am I just so headstrong that I cannot see the harm I could potentially do to the one parent I have left?"

Harm chuckled and stood, stepping towards Timekeeper and seizing the grip of the blade. Quietly, he whispered, "You'll have to get over your guilt sometime." Then he pulled the blade free of the ground, folding it neatly by his side. Loudly, he said, "I can't tell you that, Yulanda. Your father has his reasons and maybe guilt is one of them but I don't think it's a primary, driving force. However, just like Adramelech, he is driven ultimately by love. Whether that love turns to guilt or a suffocating desire to see you unharmed leaves to be seen.

"All I know is that right now, your father is probably a little irked that 'someone' detonated a bomb in the warehouse district of Clockwork."

Yulanda sat up, spinning towards him and her eyes wide in shock. "That was you!?"

He grinned broadly, mirth returning to his eyes. "Technically, no. Aria was the one that pushed the button."

*****

The atrium of the clock tower was filled with the nobility of countless duchies, courts and kingdoms. Colours of all shades of the spectrum drowned the black, red and gold of Incendian decorations. Golden chains hung off noses, ears and even nipples for all to see. Bright silks, suede and even gold spun into a cloth-like texture littered the floor. Amongst them all, the black clad servants who supplied the attendees with refreshments and canapés.

Lord Kenron of Blackwater Lake marched through the golden doors that glided across the marbled floor soundlessly. Flanked by an entire retinue of several colourfully armoured guards and servants, he was greeted by the customary five second applause of all those present before melding with the crowd.

"Typical human supremacy," Roran snarled, his nose wrinkling as his fangs shone in the scant light of the preparation room. "Guards are human while servants remain non-human."

Amongst the four other lords and ladies remaining to be introduced, Valk was the last. Unlike them, he was dressed plainly in his white clothing only now, he bore the crest of Incendius on his chest and kept his wings spread very lightly. He along with his two guards stood at back, shunned by the other nobility who fussed over each other's appearance and stabbed at one another with the bladed edge of politically charged words.

"If you put it that way," Harm said, adjusting his glasses theatrically. "Couldn't you say that Valk is being a little sexist considering how he only has male guards? In fact, isn't Lady Isea over there just as guilty of being a non-human supremacist considering how she has only non-humans as guards and servants despite being human?"

Roran turned his snarl to the disguised Chronomancer. "Don't twist my words, Wulfun. The lady over there is just a domineering bitch who likes muscled fur around her. It wouldn't surprise me if most of those swordsmen around her use the blade hidden in their pants more than the one latched to their hips."

"Aren't we cynical?" He gave the Tigris a cocky smirk. "Come on, kitty. It's a party. You should be partying."

Roran took a step towards him but Valk quickly barred his path with one wing.

The leader of the Justitae Ignibus may have been dressed plainly but he did carry with him an enormous sword that rose up to his shoulders and were nearly as broad as he was. The blade seemed impractical considering its side but Valk carried it easily in both hands. It possessed a haunting beauty with its butterfly motif stretching across most of the blade save for the sharp, silver edges. Like the rest of the blade, the guard was designed like three butterflies with their wings spread lapping over one another.

"Roran," the Draconis warned, "hold your temper and your cynicism. Henry is right. You are looking far too deeply into acts that have no ulterior motive."

The hatred in Roran's eyes were still pointed directly at Harm but they were quelled. Not for the first time, Harm marvelled at Valk's ability to stymie the Tigris' temper. As the Lady Isea was called out and announced by the herald, Roran had turned away and taken a step back.

"Even so... I feel on edge being around all these people who accuse us with their eyes." Roran ran a paw over his face, blue eyes gazing at the remaining two nobles who had fallen silent but cast suspicious stares at them every few seconds but never at the same time. "They blame us for that explosion at the warehouse district but we were far from there."

"It could be this 'Dawn's Champion'," Harm offered, smiling mildly. "Maybe that's his goal. Prey on the paranoia of one side or the other so that they blame one another and push them enough so that a war starts."

"And what possible use could a war be to him?"

Valk's answer was filled with deep sorrow and fear. "War is the easiest way to bring change. One forces the rules and laws of side onto another without consent. War changes all. It changes the landscape. It changes the hearts and minds. It changes history. If the Champion wishes to bring war upon Incendius between the Church and the Justitae Ignibus, it is because he is impatient and wishes change."

"I am inclined to believe him," Roran muttered softy. "This summit and this 'gala' solves nothing. It is an attempt to sugar coat the blood, pain and suffering. Novallier is trying to drown you in royalty so he can paralyse you into obeying his wishes."

Harm flicked his ears towards the door as another noble was called through. The last lord shuffled away from Valk, taking his guards with him. "I don't think Novallier is that conniving. I think he wants just what is best for Incendius just like the rest of you. But I wouldn't go thinking he doesn't have any weapons under his sleeve."

Huffing loudly, Roran crossed his arms and made a show of pointing out the bow and quiver strung across his back. "Let Novallier throw what he wishes against me. I can win against him in hand to hand combat and let him wield his staff while I plant an arrow between his eyes."

Like the rest of the guards, Harm and Roran had to be frisked for any hidden weaponry. Harm was treated as anyone else but Aria had made sure to let him keep Timekeeper which rested in the backpack still slung over his back. He was given but a cursory glance in that respect. They made a show of scrutinising the silver longsword that hung by his side just like Roran but little else.

"You know Novallier is an accomplished pyromancer, right?" Harm asked. "He didn't get that build from lounging about reading books either. He served in the Custodia Solis for six years before he took the crown. It would have been only five but he enjoyed the military so much he stayed for an additional year."

Roran's suspicion once again mounted, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Your knowledge of the workings of Incendian hierarchy is astounding. Especially for one from Haven."

Harm shrugged theatrically as the last lord was called through and the trio stood in front of the large doors, awaiting their turn. "What can I say? I love history."

"Then pay attention."

"Today we make history," Valk continued, turning towards the door. "Today, we will take the first step to providing equal rights to non-humans."

"Good for you." The Chronomancer turned his gaze forward. The golden portal began to open, the noise and light from the atrium beyond almost deafening in the near silence of the preparation room. "Just make sure they don't figure out that Valk has a Valour. They might just think you're a rebel or worse... corrupt."

Both the Draconis and his guard went rigid and spun to face Harm, jaws wide open in horror.

"Now presenting," the herald shouted, "Valk of Riverflow Downs, leader of the Justitae Ignibus!"

Unlike the other lords, Valk was not greeted with applause but with accusing stares and seething silence. Harm let the stalemate last for a little longer before he broke it.

"Your people await, my lord."

Shaking himself from his shock, Valk straightened himself and carried his massive sword down the grand staircase down to the crowd. Like a drop of soap in a pool of oily water, the instant he touched the base of the stems, the crowd peeled away from him, creating a field of repulsion.

Novallier kindly broke the field.

"It is good to finally meet you, Valk," exclaimed the Apex Clericus Solis, spreading his arms wide even though the Custodia Solis and Deos who stood by him stood much wider than himself. "I hope you enjoy the festivities before we adjourn to more serious matters."

The Draconis was lost for words, his throat seemingly giving out soft, dry croaks even as he tried to speak. Harm rolled his eyes, a gesture both Roran and Novallier noticed.

"This is an awesome party," Harm announced, loud enough for the lords around him to hear. "You know what I could use though?"

It seemed to take a few moments for Novallier to realise Harm was waiting for response. The Apex somehow managed to utter, "What?" through his hateful growl.

"Mini-hamburgers. Back in Haven, we used to have them everywhere! They were great! Except if you were vegetarian. But then they had veggie patties!" He abruptly turned to his right. "Then again... Oooh! Canapés!"

He bolted into the crowd and the tension was instantly eased by a wave of laughter. Though that repulsing field remained, the crowd resumed their chatter and blissfully ignored Valk. The smile on his muzzle never faded as he slipped into the alcove just beneath the grand staircase and waited.

She did not take long to approach him.

"Clever of you to break the tension," Aria Valkyrie said, materialising from the crowd like a ghost. "These talks would not have succeeded if Valk lost confidence in his cause."

"My, my, Aria Valkyrie," he said, "are you actually rooting for the underdog?"

"Valk is hardly an underdog. Did you notice his Valour?"

Harm's smile faded. One more glance in Valk's direction confirmed his suspicions. "It's Alliance, I think. I remember Ozymandias telling me that of the unregistered Valours on Incendius, Alliance was one that could inspire the hearts of many but at the same time be a fierce weapon if ever used against the Church. He kept telling me that it was still sitting inside its cocoon but whether it would emerge a butterfly or a moth was left to be seen."

"Lucidity never lies," Aria murmured softly, her gaze returning to Harm. "Ozymandias does, however. I have known him to give false testimony from time to time."

As the only Valour capable of detecting all other Valours, Lucidity was what made the Church the most powerful organisation on Tower Thirteen and possibly the largest. A building in itself, Harm remembered stepping into Lucidity and watching the waterfall of silvery water streaming behind Oxymandias' dais and how it flooded the streams flanking the one, golden path to the dais. Flanking the path were countless alcoves with silver replicas of every Valour in existence. Getting an answer from Ozymandias was easy if the Valour had already been crafted but asking him to craft another one always required him to find his muse.

It was usually booze.

Or some sort of narcotic.

"I shall contact Haven," Aria continued. "I shall extract a straight answer from Ozymandias in accordance to Alliance. Valk's position can either be strengthened or significantly weakened by this revelation." She turned her amethyst eyes towards him. "Who else knows?"

Harm recalled the look of surprise Roran gave him the moment he revealed Alliance. The Tigris didn't turn that look of shock towards Valk. There was no question of the truth there. He knew Valk possessed Alliance. He was merely surprised Harm knew.

"Valk's other guard, Roran. I don't know their relationship, though. Roran seems capable of speaking outwardly to Valk like they were born brothers. I'll keep looking into it."

"Take care. Should they learn of your nature, it will severely damage Novallier's position."

Still at the base of the steps, Novallier and Valk parted ways with a crowd gathering around the Apex while the leader of the Justitae Ignibus was left alone and cold with only Roran as company. The difference in strength was vast but it was not only Novallier's standing that was at risk.

"Both parties are built on lies and secrets," he answered softly. "But some secrets are more costly than others. I'll be careful."

A strange, musical sound met his ears and it took him a moment to realise it was Aria's laughter.

"I never thought I would hear those words from you, Chronos," she said, offering him a soft smile.

He returned her smile with his own, a smile tainted by mischief. "Then you should be worried."

Harm snuck back through the crowd, snatching a few stuffed mushrooms from a passing servant as he did so. His eyes roved the crowd as he pushed his way back to where Valk stood alone with Roran. Even though it would have taken him just a minute to reach them, he did several passes across the crowd, his eyes watching those in the atrium.

When he was ready, he returned to the Valk, making a show of munching through a stuffed mushroom but never truly swallowing it.

"Hmmm! These are good!" he said through a full muzzle. Offering the rest in his paws, he said, "You two want some?"

Roran gave him a hostile, paralysing look while Valk seemed paralysed himself. That strange croaking noise came from the Draconis' noise again. The way Roran was gripping Valk's shoulder tightly could barely stop the shaking in the reptile's shoulder. Valk's scaly tail was twitching from left to right, frightened and itching to retreat.

"Why don't you go grab something to eat, Roran?" Harm offered, his tone suddenly very serious. "We're here to both look after Valk, right? Can't do that on an empty stomach."

Roran scoffed at the very idea. "Leave you with him?"

"He wouldn't be the only one to want me dead, Roran," Valk answered, shakily. "Go ease your growling stomach. I will be fine."

Grudgingly, the Tigris peeled away and disappeared into the crowd. His titanic bulk and simple leather armour was easy to spot still through the waves of colours. Five minutes passed before Harm no longer felt those piercing blue eyes on his fur.

"Alliance," he began. "A fitting name for the Valour of a man who wishes to unite the world in equality."

Valk found his voice, somehow managing to croak, "You know much about my Valour for a man who is but a common backpacker."

"Neither of us believes that lie," Harm laughed. "A common backpacker would not have been capable of fending of seven members of the Blind Sisters. If you believed that, then you're clearly more gullible than I first assumed. Novallier and his horde of yes men will slaughter you."

Swallowed loudly, Valk said, "I stand no chance, do I?"

"Oh you do. It's just a question of what you hope to achieve with that chance." He made a vague gesture across the crowd, slyly spitting out the stuffed mushroom in his muzzle and tossing it aside where no one else could see. "For instance, let's consider if you wanted to make non-humans superior to humans."

"You know I wish for equality and not superiority." Valk's reply was dripping with venom and passion.

"Good to hear but how many people here do you think actually believe that?" He raised an eyebrow at Valk, challenging him. "How much are you willing to wager that that Lord over there thinks you're just a dirty Draconis trying to jump out of the cesspool that he was born and destined to be in for all eternity and get into something higher? Or that the big, pot-bellied duke over there thinks that you're just a flea trying to take a big bite out of something sweeter than the muck he's used to?"

Weariness and fear began to creep deep into Valk's eyes and his knees were starting to shake. His eyelids began to close, resigning to their fate. "None of them care for me, do they? Regardless of what I attempt, they will slide back into their habits whether or not the law forbids it."

"You can't change the hearts of mortals." Smiling, Harm gazed up into the ceiling where a dazzling mural of the Sunshadow War lay alight from the multiple floating orbs of light known as Solamps. "You tell people that they can't do something and they'll do it anyway." A soft laugh escaped him as he roved the image of the Brave Farmer standing against the shadowy Darkened King, Malefor, while Apollia the Sun Goddess shone behind him. "There was someone I knew who was denied participation in the events of the world by her father. Do you know what she did?"

"Participated anyway?" A smile began to crawl onto Valk's face, his eyes holding their descent for a moment.

"Participated anyway." Harm placed a paw on the Draconis' shoulder, giving it a light shake. "People will fight you, Valk. Even if you succeed, they'll still fight. They'll be fighting for the same reason you are."

"For equality?"

"Nope. Because you can." Harm smirked at him, golden eyes glinting. "I suspect that there's more to this than just 'equality for all'. I mean, I'm pretty sure you could bring about more change if... let's say... you joined the Church as a Paladin, rose to become a Templar or General and then started implementing your change from within the Church instead of against it. You'll be facing off against less resistance that way."

The Draconis shrugged his paw away, turning his head away in defiance. "How do you know the Church would be so willing to hear my pleas?"

"How do you think I know about Alliance?"

There was a moment of hesitation from the red-scaled dragon and that was enough. "Are you with them?"

"On paper," Harm answered simply. "When I'm not wearing glasses is this heavy backpack, I'm wearing a white scarf. It used to be a collar. They liked the idea that I was under their control. Then my brother convinced them that was cruel. I changed it into a scarf anyway because I wanted to remind all those arrogant assholes sitting on their thrones that my loyalty lay with Tower Thirteen and as long as the Church continued to do what was good for all Stations, they would have me for an ally."

Valk locked gazes with Harm, eyes piercing into the Chronomancer's soul, trying to discern the truth that just lay outside of his grasp. Those strong, reptilian jaws opened and shut for a few moments, mouthing half-words as he jumped from one conclusion to the next.

"Who are you?"

Smiling his gentle smile, Harm said, "What other Wulfun do you know that has white fur, golden eyes, wears a scarf and has a brother high enough to change the fundamental laws of the Church?"

It only took a second.

Valk's eyes went wide and he said, "You're -"

Roran emerged from the crowd, muzzle stuffed with stuffed mushrooms. "I begrudgingly agree these are good," he muttered, stuffing a few more into his cheeks. "What did I miss?"

The herald banged his staff onto the floor, the resounding noise shaking the entire atrium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, lords and ladies, His Holiness Novallier the First, Apex Clericus Solis, General of the Incendian Armed Forces and Blessed by the Sun Goddess Apollia, beckons you all to the audience chamber."

Harm's smile became a cocky smirk which he directed straight at Valk. "Perfect timing, don't you think?"

*****

The confidence that exuded from Valk was felt across the entire audience chamber. The Draconis sat straight, shoulders back and wings spread proudly. Even in the plain, wooden 'throne', he gave off an aura of authority and poise that dwarfed all others in the audience chamber. His tail wrapped around the legs of the chair, claiming it as his own.

The others in their seats all displayed their own emotions through their stances. Leandros had one arm draped over his icy throne, bored and with his eyes half-closed. Occasionally, the werewolf king would yawn. In those occasions, Harm would quietly whisper 'boom'. Leandros would then fight hard not to laugh. Somewhere in the shadows, the Chronomancer could just feel Aria's venomous stare.

Beside Leandros, stiff as a board and with head held high was the King of the Custodia Vampiri, Phalgymr du Vampiri. Like the rest of his kin, Phalgymr wore the white and red robes of one who was devoted to the arts of Light Magic and served on Incendius though his were gilded with gold and decorated with countless jewels, each one infused with reserve magical energy and not just for show. His blood red eyes would switch to Leandros when the latter stifled a laugh before switching them to Harm. They would roll for one moment and then make Harm swear to tell him the joke afterwards. The glint in the Chronomancer's eyes confirmed the promise.

A large gap separated the non-humans from the rest of the council. Harm's marvellous, golden throne would have sat there but now, more than ever, the divide was made apparent. Yulanda, Tynvandar and Novallier seemed so alone on their side of the dais even though they were surrounded by Custodia Solis and Deos. Yulanda would catch the secret glances amongst the non-humans and smile ever so slightly.

All humour would die every time a noble - minor or earth shaker - would approach the dais and make their views heard. Some made it plainly obvious that they did not wish change and provide compelling arguments. Others were tactless and merely demand that they be allowed to keep their slaves even should Novallier rule in favour of the non-humans. Others still merely presented gifts and attempted to win favour without making their views heard.

Harm listened to each of them quietly in turn, ever the member of Valk's Estuan Oculus. To his eyes, their motives were blatantly obvious. Many supported Valk but could not make their views known. Novallier had few supporters as it was. Spies would have informed their liege lords of Novallier's underhanded tactics to push the gala through and his attempts to hide the kidnapping of his own children. The minor inflections in the voices of the nobility, the way they angled towards Yulanda or how their eyes fell on Tynvandar when they spoke revealed much of what they knew.

Novallier's standing had already been weakened but it was not broken.

Yet.

"Now presenting Lord Eragas of Blackriver Downs," the herald announced, tapping his staff of office on the ground.

Polite applause welcomed the lord to the base of the dais where he was accompanied by several guards. Each of them was dressed in the wrappings of someone who lived in the deserts of the Sunless Lands. Turbans wrapped around their heads in multiple colours while vicious scimitars hung by their hips. Many jewels glittered off Eragas' fingers, not on rings but infused into his very flesh by magic. His 'crown' was a golden plate pressed against forehead studded with jewels. The tips of his fingers were merged with golden claws that he flashed and twitched with every one of his movements.

"Goddess... I've never seen something so gaudy," Roran murmured. "Is that a man or a statue?"

Harm snickered softly. "If you think that's flashy, you should come to Haven. Everything is either crystal or gold. It isn't that there are so many colours but rather everything glows."

"I would like to see that one day."

Harm snapped his eyes towards the Tigris in surprise. He wasn't sure why he was surprised. The wistful tone and meaning behind those words immediately sparked suspicion in the Chronomancer's mind but the innocence in Roran's blue eyes masked any attempt to read further.

"Maybe we should have a road trip there one day," he answered, turning his eyes back to Lord Eragas. "You've never been off Station, have you?"

"Never."

"Then it'll be a new experience for you." Softly, Harm added, "Take as many of them as you can. They are finite."

Eragas knelt in front of the dais, lifting a mahogany box gilded with gold and studded with jewels. An odd symbol was carved into the cover; one that Harm could have sworn he had seen before.

"Lord Eragas," Novallier began, "a pleasure it is to be in the company of one from the Sunless Lands. Please, give voice to your opinion on the current matter of equality for non-humans."

"My opinion," Eragas said loudly, "does not matter. Only the opinion of my master shall be heard."

The audience chamber instantly became tense. The sinister grin on Eragas' face did little to grant Harm confidence.

"And who is your master?" Novallier asked, calm as ever though he had leaned back in his throne, putting himself as far away from Eragas as possible.

"My master... is the dawn."

Valk instantly sprang to his feet. "You are his man!"

In one, smooth gesture, Eragas opened the box in his possession. Inside was a black dagger, its blade as dark as the night. Pulsating, fleshy, red veins crisscrossed the hilt and a twitching, red eye swivelled until it locked on Valk.

Before anyone could even scream 'demon', Eragas had yanked the blade from its velvety cushion and hurled himself across the dais.

"For the dawn!"

No matter how fast he was, the possessed man could never outmanoeuvre a Chronomancer. Harm slowed time to a crawl and drew the loaned longsword that hung by his hip. He stepped in front of Eragas, swinging his blade to block the corrupted blade.

Clang!

His arms rang from the strike, a deep growl emanating from his throat as Eragas somehow managed to keep a hold of his blade.

"You are fast," Eragas laughed. Behind him, each of his guards tossed aside their turbans and wrapped clothing. Black, pulsating flesh muscled and filled with red, glowing veins was revealed. An array of large, glowing red spikes sprang from each of the demon's backs, a deformed set of wings. From Eragas, those spikes burst from his back, angling towards Harm slowly. "But no matter how fast you are, Wulfun, demons are far superior."

Thwack!

An arrow embedded itself into Eragas' forehead.

"I see your point," Roran snarled. "Do you see mine?"

"Ha!" Harm laughed, kicking the corpse back. "I get it!" He swung the longsword through the air, snarling as a black, corrosive corruption began eating away at the blade where it had slammed against Eragas' corrupted dagger. "In all seriousness... Get everyone out of here!"

Novallier instantly sprang to his feet, barking orders before he was ushered out by several of his Custodia. Yulanda and Tynvandar were swept along in the tide of red and gold. Leandros and Phalgymr nodded at one another. Both spun and hurried through the rear exist behind the dais just behind Novallier.

Harm hurled his blade rapidly degrading blade through the air, watching it sail through the air and embed itself into the throat of a rampaging demon. Other demons quickly pounced on the crowd and remaining Solis. Just their touch spread the black corruption through armour and clothing, turning flesh black and eyes into a burning red. Panic quickly set in and the main exit quickly became a bottleneck for the desperate and fearful. Half of the demons charged to create more of their own kind while the other half approached the dais, grinning with strangely white fangs.

"Roran, take Valk and get out of here!" Harm barked, unshouldering his backpack and reaching for Timekeeper.

"I will not stand by and let the people of Incendius fall prey to demons!"

Harm gripped his blade, still hidden by the backpack. Mentally, he cursed Valk's sense of justice and his own inability to keep his mouth shut. A more broken Valk would have run off with Novallier. Instead, there stood a proud, courageous Valk supposedly supported by the Propheticus Primoris' brother.

A demon sprang from the base of the dais, arms outstretched and fangs wide. Harm swung his backpack at the beast, letting them both crash to the ground beside him.

"Roran! Sword!"

"That's another one you owe me!"

He snapped his arm back, seizing the longsword from the air and springing to his feet with the blade ready. "I get your point."

In the brief moment he glanced at Roran, he saw the Tigris offer a begrudging smirk.

Valk hefted his Valour, lifting it into the air and levelling it straight at the approaching demons. "Flutter, Alliance!"

The entire blade began to give off an eerie, white glow. The sound of a thousand birds chirping drowned the screams, roars and snarls in the audience chamber. A single, white butterfly sprang from Alliance's glowing edge, quickly joined by several others. The entire bulk of the blade disintegrated into hundreds of the tiny butterflies, swarming around Valk in a dizzying and mesmerising dance and beauty. Left in his hands was a two-pronged metal longsword. The three large butterflies that had formed the guard hovered around Valk like three, personal guardians and the insignia of Incendius was left on the pommel.

With a titanic swing, the butterflies followed some unspoken command from Valk. They sped towards the demons. Their bladed wings sliced through flesh and bit through muscle. A demon screamed in agony as its eyes were ripped to shreds by the butterflies' wings. Another had its entire arm torn from its body by a large group.

The broad grin on Valk's face was short lived. The horde of demons doubled in size as the corrupted quickly turned their attention to the dais instead of those retreating through the front doors. Even as the enormous, golden doors shut tight, a sea of black flesh and red eyes met them.

"I don't suppose you know how to activate Secundus vero, do you?" Harm asked, retreating beside the Draconis. Roran's bow twanged and sent an arrow into the sea of slowly approaching demons. Whether it hit something or someone was unknown.

"What?" Valk asked.

"Drive Mode! Do you know how to active Drive Mode?"

The panicked look on Valk's face said it all. His brown was knitting in concentration but his eyes spoke of a fear of death. "I never received proper Paladin training. It's a miracle I could activate my Valour at all!"

"Quick! The back way!" Roran shouted but as they turned around, a horde of red eyes met them, blocking the exit Novallier and the others had taken. A thin veil of Valk's butterflies barely kept the demons at bay but they were slowly pushing through.

Harm considered retrieving Timekeeper but Roran still had no idea who he was. Though that would quickly change considering his apparent relationship with Valk. A demon's scream caused him to spin to his right. The beast pounced on him from above Leandros' throne, claws outstretched and fangs dripping with saliva.

He quickly sidestepped. The moment the demon crashed to the ground where he had been, he delivered a powerful kick to the beast's head before bringing down his longsword. A sickening, gurgling noise escaped the demon's throat as blood began to fill its lungs and Harm's blade lay embedded in the back of its neck. The Chronomancer yanked the blade back and brought it down again for a finishing blow. Acrid, acidic blood spilled out of the wound, spraying the dais and eating away at the floor.

Wincing, Harm felt a burning sensation on his paws and immediately dropped the blade. Some of the blood had landed on his fur, slowly eating away at the flesh. As he watched the corruptive blood slowly succumb to the power of Chronomancy, an idea began to form in his head.

The demon's body exploding was the last piece he needed. For a moment, he dug into the pocket of his pants. A small badge rested on his paw, one confiscated from a demon-infested town. The name 'Agares' popped into his mind.

Another demon sought to strike him from the Leandros' throne, screaming its intent. Harm seized Valk's chair and swung it wildly. A bone-shattering smash sent the demon crashing into its brethren.

"I've got an idea," he exclaimed. "Follow my lead!" He scrambled towards Novallier's throne, the biggest of the thrones. "Roran, I need an arrow!"

"You're debt is steadily rising, Henry!"

An arrow was quickly I his paws. "I'm going to save your life. Once I get you back to your lovely wife, we'll call it even!"

The Tigris went rigid. "How did you know...?"

Harm perked his ears. "You have the smell of a female Tigris on you," he lied. "That and sex."

Valk sniggered softly. Roran punished him with a swift slap behind his head.

Ignoring them both, Harm laid his eyes on the bolts that bound Novallier's throne to the dais. Nodding to himself, he said, "Valk, let a demon through."

"What?" came the simultaneous reply.

"Do you want to live?!"

One demon was allowed to pass through Valk's swarm of glowing, bladed butterflies. It immediately scrambled towards the Draconis, red spike twitching in anticipation. Harm quickly intercepted, sliding in front of the demon. Its eyes went wide... and then shut in horrific pain. The Chronomancer drove Roran's arrow into its left eye. Before it could reel back in pain, Harm caught it in a headlock and dragged it towards the golden throne. He aimed the squirting, acidic blood into bolts.

The throne itself was left unharmed. No demonic corruption could touch the throne but the bolts and the dais were fair game. The demon struggled against his grip, its claws digging into his shoulders and biting into his flesh but he kept it pinned and sprayed its blood onto each of the legs. Foul, burning smoke rose from where the black, bubbling fluid ate away at the metal and wood.

The last of the bolts was dissolving. Harm, straightened and snapped the demon's neck with a single, powerful twist. He then boldly hurled the beast over his shoulders into the crowd. Valk's butterflies tore into it a few times before it crashed into its fellows.

Boom!

The demon exploded just like the rest of its kind. Other corrupted around it screamed as the acidic blood splattered on their bodies and they too quickly degraded into explosions.

"Now!" he shouted, slamming his shoulder against the throne. The enormous, golden seat lurched forward. Two more bodies pressed their weight against its high back, launching it briefly into the air. They seized the golden frame and with a final not towards one another, charge boldly into the horde of demons.

Valk's butterflies pushed most of the demons back but many still managed to push through as they charged for the front exit. A demon landed on the throne, snarling but its grip was tenuous at best. The throne's enchantments kept the beast from staying and it tumbled aside after a few seconds. Another lunged at their legs from the side. Valk's butterflies swarmed it, ripping it to shreds and carrying it into the midst of the other horrors to explode out of reach.

Harm dared a peek towards the door.

A black clawed hand seized his muzzle and tore him from the rest of chair. The marble floor slammed hard against his back and the glint of the Solamps on claws caused his heart to stop for the briefest of moments.

"Go!" he shouted. "I'll catch up!"

He didn't stop to see if Valk or Roran heeded his commands as more demons converged around him. Those claws descended, raking through the air and angling straight for his throat. Harm seized the demon's wrist, bringing a moment of surprise in those bright, red eyes.

That moment was more than enough for a Chronomancer.

Time slowed. The demon's other claw trudged through the air in an agonising slow motion, each pulsation of its veins taking what seemed like a minute before restarting. The world fell into silence and a serene calm fell onto the chaotic audience chamber. A bright red claw came to a millimetre of Harm's nose.

Harm couldn't help but stare at the claw that came so close to tearing his muzzle to shreds. "Huh... Dude, you need to get a manicure. Or at least get your claws done. Red just isn't your colour."

He slammed his paw against the demon's chest. The force of the blow send the corrupted bending back at a grotesque angle, its spine shattering as its entire form bent around Harm's arm. It froze in mid-air as the frozen time took its toll. The Chronomancer spun around, bringing his left leg up in a crushing spinning kick. A demon unfortunate enough to be in his way had its neck snapped from the blow.

Turning to his right, he seized the heads of two demons hurling them against one another. Their skulls shattered and smashed together like two eggs being callously tossed at a wall. Before the corrosive blood could touch his flesh, he was spinning around and driving his knee into the gut of a demon behind him. His paws seized the creature's head and twisted its neck at an obscene angle.

The strain of holding time for not only himself but hundreds of others began to blur his vision. An ache began to creep up from deep in his bones and moving through the state of frozen time became increasingly difficult. Every breath he took was like fire.

He exhaled and released his grip on time, letting the currents flow freely once more. Explosions rang out all around him, throwing bodies in all directions. Demons scrambled over one another in confusion, avoiding the blasts from their comrades that would end their life and surely the lives of others around them. He used that mayhem to charge through their midst and make a beeline for the golden throne just barely visible through the throng of red eyes.

Pain exploded from his neck and blood quickly filled his lungs. His momentum was caught and the floor slammed against his back one more. Bloodied claws yanked themselves from his neck, rising once more to deliver a fatal blow.

"Your time has come, Wulfun!" the demon snarled.

Harm smirked through bloodied fangs. "Funny you should mention that."

Weary as he was, Harm Chronos fought through the pain like he had done so many times before and slipped pushed himself away from the demon. His left leg threatened to buckle but he somehow managed to keep himself standing. Demons were quickly surrounding him. He could smell their putrid breath burning his sensitive nostrils. Still, he straightened himself, pushing his shoulders back and readying himself against the demon that had severed his jugular.

"You are strong of will, dog," the demon snarled, claws flashing in the air. "Let us see how strong."

The beast lunged forward, claws outstretched.

Harm didn't resist.

He let those claws dig into his shoulders. Biting back the anguished pain, he just stood staring into the demon's eyes, a cocky smile on his features.

"Not strong enough it seems," laughed the demon. "You are ours now, dog!"

"I belonged to Time long before you laid claim," he answered. "And so do you. But what did you say before? 'Your time has come?'"

The confusion on the demon's eyes was extremely short lived. The red claws that dug so deep into Harm's shoulders lost their glow. They degraded to a black to match the rest of the corrupted's flesh. Then, flake by flake, the claws began to crumble away to the ground. Fright replaced the demon's confusion and its eyes watched as Harm's wounds began to heal.

"You... You're a -"

"Time's up."

Harm seized the demon's rapidly crumbling arms and hurled it into the crowd of demons behind him. He ignored their screams of confusion as the degradation spread to others and the demons began to dissolve into the currents of time. Other demons in front of him screamed and purposefully jumped out of the way. Those who had not lain witness to his act attempted to stop him. Just a simple touch or any means of contact sent their entire beings crumbling into the blackened dust.

He caught up with Valk and Roran who had reached the exit.

"Why didn't you burst through?" he asked, fearing it had been locked behind them.

"We were waiting for you," Roran replied. "You said you'd catch up."

Again, the response puzzled Harm but he shook it away for the moment as the demons left their dead and dying, turning instead their attention to the trio that had cut down their numbers so easily. Murder was in their eyes and they had organised themselves. No longer the greedy monsters eager for the last morsels before assaulting a city filled with Church-goers and Paladins, they had become an army in one instant.

They marched forward in unison.

Snarled in synchronisation.

Planned as one.

"I will not go through those doors."

Harm tore his gaze from the approaching demons and found them resting on Valk. The Draconis stood proud, lifting Alliance into the air where his silver butterflies haloed the blade. Even Roran seemed surprised but there was a smile on his muzzle.

"What are you talking about?" Harm asked. "You don't plan to stand up against them by yourself, do you?"

"He won't. He has me," Roran answered, drawing one of the last few arrows he had left.

Straightening himself despite his weariness, Valk levelled his blade at the approaching demons. "I will die a martyr here, Henry. There is no use fighting for equality when none will live to observe it." Valk's eyes were filled with clarity and determination, unwavering and immovable. "Go. Make my message heard so that my sacrifice will not be in vain."

There was something courageous in sacrifice and Valk's willingness to die for his cause touched the Chronomancer. Time seems to stop and remember this one Draconis' words. The pebble had been dropped in the still lake and the ripples were made. Now, Valk hoped to drop a boulder with his death.

And with that thought, came a revelation.

"You can't," Harm said.

"I can."

"No. You can't." He hiked a thumb over his shoulder at the door.

Slowly, the golden gates peeled open.

Hundreds of Custodia Solis marched forward led by the platinum-haired angel wielding a mighty spear. The lights from the chamber glinted off their crimson armour and silvery weaponry. Flames sprang up from their palms. The air was suddenly sizzling with fire. A rain of fireballs erupted from the horde of Solis, peppering the demons and pressing them back.

Harm smiled as the sea of demons was drowned by the storm of Custodia Solis. "Trying to throw yourself at the demons now would be considered suicide, not sacrifice."

Despite his confidence, he quietly thanked Aria for her great sense of timing.