Pay Me

"Blade of Dawn, Morningstar," Aurelia Morningstar uttered, running her fingers over the smooth surface, cascading with the finest metal her fingers had the honor of gracing. Reflecting her image, through its refined surface, the Blade of Dawn revealed two images of the Fallen. She saw herself purer as God's grace with her snow-white hair, bringing hope and love to the land. Beside her pure self, malice seemed to permeate the air, carrying the foul aura Zariel was releasing. Aurelia saw a version of herself, with scarlet eyes and hair blacker than night. She held a smile; many would mistake for a contemptuous smirk.

Mystified by these two versions that did not reflect her true self, confusion hooked itself in her heart—lifting her gaze to Zariel for an answer. It was only now that she remembered the state he was in. She dropped the Blade of Dawn. And charged, falling to her knees, she took the young lord in her arms, holding him firmly.

Shaken by the icy look staring back at her, Aurelia Morningstar saw the webs of veins burning with malice, traveling through Zariels sclera, touching upon his scarlet iris. Fear touched her soul, and she had wished for nothing more than to drop him and flee, but all she could seem to do was smile and cover his eyes with her small hands.

"You dummy," She muttered beneath her breath. Pressing her head against his forehead, she felt his icy skin, and only sadness seemed to seep in. She'd often wondered what happened to him to make him this way. Wonder why he was appeared so tortured with each passing glance she caught. But he'd never answered, only smiling when she asked. It was Zariels way of expressing that he would not speak of it.

Her actions had confused the Young Lord. He was both annoyed she was still touching him, with her dirty skin that had not been washed clean in days. Even with the cleanse Zero-Spell, he often felt it was not enough. Only through scrubbing yourself would you be clean. But Zariel did not complain, not this time. He could not explain why, as even he was confused by why.

"Close your eyes, dummy," She whispered gently.

He listened, enjoying the warmth flowing through his forehead; the nightmarish aura of radiation slipped away as Zariel fell into a deep slumber.

Seconds trailed like hours before she heard his breath even, and his body she didn't know was tense, somehow relaxed. She pulled her head away, cold sweat slipped from her cheeks, falling onto the young lord below, and smiled.

"Hehe, is this what they call fate? Aurelia can pee-pee on you. Put boom-boom she finds in your mouth," the little she-devil snickered devilishly, shaking her head at her mischievous thought. "Your lucky Dumb-Dumb. Aurelia will be the bigger sister! But only this time! Next time we face each other, get ready,' She firmly challenged, hoping her words would reach the slumbering Zariel.

Glancing at severance still in his hand, she took the sword. But the moment her hands touched upon it, it morphed back into its first form. Resheathing the blade without hesitation onto Zariels back, She hoisted him up on her back, then glanced at the Blade of Dawn, resting silently.

Taken by the sword's mellow glow, she bent down to reach out, and the golden blade turned into a mist of golden embers. The blade vanished, but Aurelia felt its warmth somewhere deep in her. Bringing her confidence she enjoyed, she pressed ahead. Knowing that if she so wanted, the Blade of Dawn would appear.

"Come to me, my child." A soothing voice seemed to echo from the shadows.

Aurelia grew on guard, and her eyes grew so sharp that a flicker of silver light skimmed over her pupils. "Who!" She barked, lifting the small Azure Flame to light her path.

"Follow the path, and free me. The Black Hand, your enemy, and that boy enemy are outside these walls. My child." The mysterious voice urged.

His words held a bit of pleading that Aurelia was quick to notice. She held a bit of trepidation, but she also knew something had angered Zariel.

"Careful, my Queen," Eldritch warned; he could feel the foreboding power ahead.

"I know," She answered but still pushed ahead. She had no choice. She was trapped, and it was only with Zariels power that she knew escape was plausible.

"Then proceed with care, My queen. My instincts tell me the man ahead is no friend of yours, nor Lord Zariels. Use him well, but do not trust," Eldritch reached out with wise guidance.

Taking his warning to heart, the Young Fallen quicken her footstep. Thoughts were abuzz in her mind. The mysterious voice had claimed to free her, but why was that so? Why couldn't his undead do so? Why make this trial? Why all these games.

Torches seemed to spring over off into the distance in a fierce blaze as Aurelia began to notice the fresh bodies of various soldiers; their bodies seemed torn to shreds with a single clean stroke. The ground was soaked red, and the heavy scent of blood was everywhere as the torches appeared to light the young fallen path.

Moving slowly through the bloodstained hallway, apprehension seemed to grip Aurelia's heart. Knowing this was the work of the Black Hand. Her footsteps picked up the pace. She would not be killed and forgotten like these soldiers.

Regarding the large towering gate in front of her, Aurelia quickly noted two large chamber fires, one lit one empty.

"Light it," Said the Mysterious voice, unable to hide his desperation.

Aurelia drew close and eyed the empty chamber pot, then the small candle in her hand. "No," she coldly declared, taking a step back.

Startled, the mysterious voice trembled. "What! You must hurry. The Black Hand will strike!"

"I don't care." Said Aurelia firmly. She would not be fooled. Zariel had taught her never to do a favor unless she benefited. Equivalent and exchange, he had instilled in her. "Aurelia is prepared to die. Unless–"

"Unless what," The voice echoed a bit hoarse.

"Unless Aurelia gets hers!" The little she-devil resounded, smiling mischievously. "Give me your most prized possession. I need a vow, based on the soul, to justify the trade, of course." Cracking a cat-like smile, she purred with joy and nodded at her greatness.

Dumb-Dumb would be proud,' she thought. f