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The Long Way Around

Upon resuming their travels, Zardes noticed that the group dynamic had changed.

Belial, who had his powers unsealed, was friendlier towards others, especially towards Ammon. However, this instead caused others, especially Malkar, to suspect something wrong. They knew that the demon prince had all the chances to get away from them, especially that now he could use his powerful demonic powers to simply burn the collar and others with it. Somehow, he was not keen on doing that, and he was aware that there was a chance that any temptation could cause him to change sides. So, he kept the collar, although he hated the fact that it was a symbol of submission.

Ammon also changed, though others were more sympathetic for him. Aside from the revelation of his race, he had to face the fact that his mentor and caretaker, Lehrn, was dead. Seja had given him assurance that Lehrn fought until the end, and she reminded Ammon that it wasn't his fault that things turned out the way it was, something Ammon had trouble accepting.

Overall, nothing changed much in their journey. The travel through the Outer Rings wastelands was uneventful and pretty much a pleasant silence, given that the area was quite cold to begin with. The Ashen Lands had a different, cool feeling to it. In contrast to the fiery heat of the previous area, the ash-covered area was cool and calm, emitting a pleasant, yet mysterious, aura to the group of travelers, albeit morbid, given that they were walking on someone's ashes.

Aside from it being calm, many of the locals, the ash hounds, were quite nice. Despite of the constant threat of the cult of Barbatos, they managed to persevere, and lived on their lives without worry. Apparently, only the bigger settlements were targeted. Others were not.

Their travel in the Ashen Lands also yielded more results. In their travel to the first ash hound village Zardes and Malkar found, they found at least three more entries to the Infernal Texts. At this point, it became clear that the scattered Texts were in fact fragments of a journal, written by an Infernal named Asdal. Most of the journal entries were simply his day to day life, which was also interesting as the Infernal apparently lived in the Ashen Lands, in what he called 'The Kingdom of Old Demons', referring to the Ashen Kingdom. It was said that the ruler was a certain Infernal that demons would not want to get involved with, as the Infernal was far more dangerous than what he attempted to be.

During their camp among the ashen wasteland, Belial read the latest part of the journal they found, leaving Malkar to piece together what period of time the entry was written.

"So, the Infernal, Asdal, was an inhabitant of what was a big kingdom established by circle demons," said Malkar. "Are you aware of this, Belial?"

"The more I read it, the more I am conflicted of this Asdal," said Belial. "Most of it sounds like an interesting fiction, but the more I read the journal entries, the more I am convinced that it's his experience. The Kingdom of the Old Demons did exist and not some work of fiction."

"You really don't know anything about this kingdom? Like, at all?"

"This is the first time I've ever known of its existence."

"Wouldn't Asdal tell you? I mean, you're his prince. He has an obligation to know."

"I may sound like an ignorant prince, but I don't know everything in my domain. Either Asdal never returned to the Fifth Circle or he's that good in hiding."

"What is he hiding for?"

"I don't want to think about it, but there is a possibility that Asdal is a traitor, and he deliberately tried to conceal the fact that he knew of the existence of an Infernal kingdom separate from my domain. If that's the case, then his journal might give us a clue on how to deal with our current problem."

"About Barbatos, right?"

"There's something amiss in this Ashen Lands. No, I'm not talking about the ashes. We don't know anything about Barbatos, and why are he and Asmodel so interested with these journals? I think it's time you show us what you're good at."

"I have a feeling that you're mocking my lack of self-defense knowledge," said Malkar while pulling the third journal out of Belial's hand. "Are we still doing this?"

"No, we are not," said Belial. He then stood up. "You may not be able to fight, Malkar, but you are a scholar. It's not your responsibility to fight."

"Good to know that you, of all people, should remind me of that fact."

"You don't fear danger. For me, that's enough. Well, even if you don't fear one, getting fucked over by it is equally stupid."

"Yeah, I know," said Malkar with a sigh. "Still...you're a great help. Thanks, Belial."

"You bet," replied the demon.

While Malkar continued to study the translated Texts, Belial returned to the main camp where he saw the group around a campfire. He noticed Ammon keeping for himself while Gehen, Damos, and Zardes talked. Belial may not be able to know how to feel sad, but for some reason, he knew that Ammon was still sad that his old friend and mentor was killed when he only just met him after a long time. Belial sensed a suppressed rage from the demon bat. He knew Ammon was longing for revenge, but he did not know what to do other than sulk.

So, thinking that he would be bored waiting, anyway, he approached Ammon. The bat took a quick glance at him before returning to his sulk.

"(I'm sorry about your mentor)," said Belial while sitting beside the bat. "(That's...what your people say, right?)"

"(Yes. Thanks, Belial)," said Ammon without looking at Belial.

"(And you really should try to keep that desire in check. Believe me, I know what is in your mind right now. You want vengeance, but you don't know who to exact it with. In fact, you are scared that this is going to cause a rift in this lovely little group. Am I wrong?)"

Ammon nodded. "(Guess I can't hide my rage from the prince of violence, huh? Yes, I am scared of the rift, but I am more worried about you and me. About our friendship)."

"(When are we friends?)"

"(You really want a big gash off your goat face, huh? I am not in the mood for some witty talk)."

"(I know, I know. Can't help it. I'm a demon. Sorry about that. Still...what are you so worried about?)"

"(About the truth. You know why I look like this. I have the face of your sibling, Barbatos. He's your enemy, and I'm his unholy creation used to fulfill his goal against you. I know I'm the one who's supposed to walk away but...I am worried...and scared. I don't want to be killed by you, especially since I...)."

He stopped his sentence as if interrupted. Belial did not catch what he meant. Ammon, however, was trying to build up courage to confess. Just a simple "(I love you)" would be enough. Belial did not understand. He could not understand why Ammon was so fixated with him.

Now that the demon bat found out that he was made with Barbatos, the prince of darkness, as his template, he could not help but wonder if Belial would regard him as an enemy. He knew the others would not think of it like that, but Belial was enemies with his creator for years longer than a Fuzandre could count. It would make sense if he decided to just vent his frustration on Ammon.

Of course, that was just abuse. Belial was better than that. Why would he even think of that? That line of thinking made Ammon think of himself as a fool. Also, he forgot about his courage building, so when Belial asked, "(Especially what?)" he just yelped in surprise and did not answer.

"(Well, no matter)," said Belial. "(Just so you know, I never knew how Barbatos looked like before I saw his face in the journal)."

"(So, how do you know he exist?)"

"(He exists as a shadow. We never know his true face, nor do we ever know of his intentions. For us, if he keeps for himself and not directing confronting us, he's fine. I know now that Barbatos is as dangerous as Asmodel is, if not more)."

"(So...)"

"(So, whatever you think of what I'm going to do with you is entirely made up in your mind. I don't judge people by appearance, Ammon. I judged them by their personality. I don't hate Asmodians as much as I hate their leader, but it is hard if they are devout followers of Asmodel)."

"(You really think that?)"

"(We don't survive on our own. I have trusted generals, and I trust Azazel even though he is trying to usurp my throne. Call it a weird relationship if you like, but you don't get more trust than those who knows who you are and respect their strength)."

Ammon seemed fascinated and struck by Belial's speech. It was as if he saw something...regal in him despite of being a demon. Maybe his title as a prince was not just a title for those whose at the top, but also for those who knew the burden of being at the top. This seemed to lift Ammon's mood. The Fuzandre smiled to the demon and said, "(You're right. I was thinking too hard. If you're fine with it, then I'm fine with it, too)."

"(If it is time for you to avenge your mentor, I'll be sure to be there with you)," said Belial. "(You're not alone)."

"(Thanks, Belial)."

They both smiled to each other before Belial walked towards the others, who had finished talking and was cooking some food on the campfire. Zardes noticed Belial approaching them. He scooted over as Belial sat beside him.

"So, do you have any spare to wear or you're just walking around like that?" said Zardes referencing Belial's nakedness. Now that he was no longer sealed by the black and glossy prison suit, Belial's black fur was in full view, meaning that he was practically naked.

"You were the one buying me clothes. I hope you bought extra," said Belial.

"You got a point there." Zardes sighed. "I don't, so I guess you'll have to bear being naked for a while. That's a stupid thing to say."

"Not for me. This is how we usually are down there. Do you think there's any fabric strong enough to withstand the heat? Well, except this suit, which is a Circle demon product."

"So, we'll wait until we go back to the surface, then."

"That'll take a while."

"No, I think it's closer than you think. We just need to find the right village, that's all. There, we'll rendezvous with my partner, if she got the message."

"Your partner?"

"Yeah. Now that this whole thing turns out to be more troublesome than it's worth, I think she'll be a good addition to our party."

"I hope that, for her sake, she's not easily frightened."

"You'll know when you see her."

Belial seemed alright being teased, so Zardes smiled and walked towards Ammon, who still kept with himself. It would be a good idea to get one more hellish being to the team if they wanted to have an edge against the Prince of Darkness, if only for a little more.

As Zardes approached Ammon, he seemed to have a better mood, but then the hellhound noticed something different. Ammon seemed to be looking at Belial intently. It was hard to determine his expressions with his completely black eyes, but Zardes could see that he tried his best not to be noticed. When Belial seemed to notice something, or when Zardes caught his eye, he looked away. This was pretty suspicious for Zardes, so he approached Ammon while he was still fixated with Belial, and said, "(He gave you one hell of a talk, huh)?"

To Zardes's surprise, Ammon yelped in surprise, causing others to turn towards the two (including Belial). Ammon looked away as Zardes said, "(He's just startled by me)."

After everyone returned to what they were doing, Zardes turned towards Ammon and said, "(I think you and I should talk. Follow me)."

They walked away from the camp until it was out of earshot. When Zardes was sure about it, he said, "(I know that look, Ammon. Even if you're a demon bat, I know. However, are you sure?)"

"(S-sure? I don't know what you're talking about)."

"(I know the look of someone who's lovestruck, even if your face is a bat. You really like Belial, don't you?)"

Ammon looked away, trying to act innocent from Zardes's prying. The hellhound's stare seemed to unnerve him. After a while of uncomfortable staring, Ammon sighed in defeat.

"(Yeah)," he said. "(I like him. Come on, Zardes. It is wrong to love a male?)"

"(It's not wrong. What I'm concerned with, however, is why. Belial is a demon from the Fifth Circle, and a prince. You...well, you're not really a Fifth Circle demon. There will be time when he will return home, and you'll be stuck up here. There may be a chance for you to survive down there and continue what you're doing, but don't push your luck)."

"(I know that! Still...)"

Zardes wanted to say something about this, but he knew Ammon would not accept anything, not so close after Lehrn's death. The demon bat's emotion was all over the place. The hellhound had known what it felt like to be directed to the wrong direction when it came to love.

Sighing, the hellhound put his hand on Ammon's shoulder and said, "(I won't try to convince you otherwise, Ammon. I let you decide when the time comes)."

"(But I'll never be ready. I...can't even muster a courage to confess my feelings to him. What if he felt awkward about it? I know he's a demon, and demons aren't supposed to know what feeling is. But, what if his journey...)."

"(Don't jump on the question directly. Let him know you first. Know him. If you understand each other, you'll find it easier to say it to him...and easier to let him go)."

"(I...I understand)," said Ammon with a sigh.

"(Hey, don't be sad. Go on. He is okay if you talk to him properly)."

Ammon nodded, and seemed to found courage to talk to Ammon. Well, he did have a start of being friendlier with Belial during the journey. Unlike the others, who seemed to fail to impress Belial (at least until the suit came off), Ammon could talk to the goat demon like there was nothing against him.

The only problem now was his courage to confess his true feelings. It was harder than being friends, and it took a lot of guts. Zardes just hoped, for Ammon's sake, that Belial knew what 'love' was.

It was, however, not going to be easy.

***

"(What's wrong with Ammon?)" signed Gehen to Damos.

"(Huh? What's wrong with him?)" replied his companion.

"(Last night, he's still mourning the loss of his caretaker. Now, he looks at Belial intently. Did something happen when we rest?)"

"(If it did, I'm not aware of it. Maybe you want to talk to Ammon about it?)"

Gehen shook his head, which Damos interpreted as a 'no'.

Only Zardes was aware of Ammon's reaction around Belial. The bat had a problem expressing his feelings towards the demon, but it could be because of the hellhound's influence. Now that he had reminded the Fuzandre than Belial was a demon prince that would one day return to hell, Ammon seemed reluctant to pursue it. Zardes felt bad; in the process of keeping neutral, he ended up planting a seed of doubt in Ammon's mind.

Even then, it wasn't the main concern. In just three days of travel, they finally found the ash hound village the two surface hellhounds found previously, along with the Crossing Gate that sat idly near the village. Apparently, it was not disturbed by anyone, not even the cult of Barbatos, which looked suspicious, at least until the ash hounds that Zardes and Malkar knew met them. He was walking around the Crossing Gate when he noticed Zardes approaching.

"(Hey! I never thought you're travelling through the Ashen Lands)," said the ash hound. He then noticed Zardes's companions. "(And I guess you've made several friends along the way)."

"(Yeah. Anyway, I got someone who can help with the Text problem. You know what I mean)."

"(Oh yeah. Come to the library. We've kept them safe)."

"(Was there any demonic problem?)"

"(Nothing we can't handle)," said the ash hound with a smile. He then noticed Gehen and smiled.

"(Ash sorcerer)," said the ash hound while nodding. "(Welcome to our village)."

Gehen made hand signs, which Damos interpreted as, "(You know who I am?)"

To their surprise, the ash hound then pulled out a pouch from his belt, then pulled out the ash within it by magic. He then proceeded to blow it towards the group, at which point Gehen felt an intense magical aura surrounding the group. It was like his own mana-infused ashes, but far more powerful. He became fascinated as he touched one of the powered ashes floating around them.

"(He's excited. Never seen him this way)," said Damos to the ash hound.

"(We are what's left of the Ashen Sorcerers), said the ash hound. He then turned to Zardes and Malkar. "(Sorry about keeping this secret)."

"(Are you telling me that it's a village of ash sorcerers?)" said Malkar, similarly excited.

"(Most ash sorcerers I know are born and raised here. Your friend, however, is different. He has seen an arduous journey through life. We, however, don't usually travel far from the borders of the village aside from protecting that Gate, in case you return. Still, the prospect of meeting surface dwellers was too good to wait for, so we sent our scholars up there to learn about your culture and your magic)."

"(Are you now? What do you think?)"

"(It's so bright)."

Zardes chuckled. "(Oh, we'll need that brightness. After so long traveling down here, I need to bask under the sun)."

"(Oh, I understand the feeling well. So, you call it a sun, huh?)

"(Yes)."

"(Anyway, you need to see the Texts, right? I'll escort you there)."

Zardes then called Malkar and Belial. But then, when the ash hound saw Belial, he said, "(Whoa! What are you doing?! You can't walk around showing your junk like that!)"

"(Is that a problem?)"

"(It's a problem! Look, I'll look past it this time, but you need some clothes. Come here)."

"(Hey, I can...)"

"(Belial)," said Zardes, glaring at him. Belial quickly got the message and complied with the ash hound, who took him to a nearby building.

Meanwhile, Zardes and Malkar walked towards the library. They greeted some of the ash hounds they knew along the way. For the two, it had been almost a month or so since the Gate's reactivation and discovery. They talked with the village's head while waiting for Belial, who came out from a building a couple of minutes later.

While he was still mostly naked, at least his privates were covered by the loincloth fastened by a leather belt. It was like the other ash hounds in the area, so he fitted in well. Belial, however, was less than happy with this.

"It's the decent way to dress around here, Belial. Can't force it," said Malkar when he noticed Belial's exasperation.

Belial simply sighed and silently followed the two silently. He learned how to not infuriate someone, so at least he could do that. Still, wearing nothing but the collar felt so free. It was also then he realized what he was thinking, and shook his head.

They walked into the library, where the librarian, one that Zardes and Malkar knew, was sitting behind a desk, reading a book. He noticed the two and said, "(Ah, welcome Zardes, Malkar. We have been waiting for you)."

"(We've got someone who can read the Infernal Texts)," said Zardes while pointing towards Belial.

"(Oh?)" He then examined the goat demon. "(An Infernal, eh? Well, I won't ask how he's in your employ, but I hope he can read them without turning the books into dust. Come on, follow me)."

The three followed the librarian ash hound to the forbidden section of the library, where Zardes could see the Infernal Texts among the ashes that was used to keep its heat down and controlled. Belial then stepped in and examine the book, but then said, "(Well, this is going to be tricky)."

"(What?)"

"(The books. They are different from the previous ones. If I touch them, they'll turn to dust)."

"(But it doesn't turn before, right?)"

"(Yeah. It does not...because they are from my domain. These books are Asmodel's. Only an Asmodian can touch them and dispel the security measures)."

"(So, we need your brother?)"

"(Yeah, and that's the problem)."

"(Uhmm...is something wrong?)"

Zardes then proceeded to explain what's wrong. The librarian seemed to understand, but then something seemed to come across his mind.

"(Ah, if you're talking about a different kind of Infernal, does he look feline?)"

"(Feline? Yes, yes, that's it! Do you know where he is?)"

"(No, but he passed our village a couple of days ago. He told me to give you this)."

The librarian then showed them a box. Belial walked towards it and simply opened it. Inside was a black feline idol that resembled an Asmodian or Asmodel. Either way, Belial seemed to know what it was, and did not like it.

"This is suspicious," said Belial while examining the dark-shrouded idol.

"Everything about your brother is suspicious, Belial," said Zardes.

"I know what you mean, but this is not something I expect of him. He's...helping us."

"What?"

"This dark idol bears his essence. The Infernal Texts will open when it feels Asmodel's influence. Basically, this poor impression of him is the only way to access those Texts, aside from other Asmodians, which are bitter rivals with my kind."

"Well, that makes matter easier," said Malkar. "Now we can continue our research."

"Still...why is he so keen of helping us if he is also aiming for the Throne? As it is now, we know nothing about Barbatos," muttered Belial. "I have a feeling that it's part of a grand scheme, as he always did. Right now, I guess we need to play along."

"Are you sure about that?" said Zardes.

"No, but right now, it's the only way to find out."

The idol itself had Asmodel's essence, but it did no harm to anyone, so he simply put the idol close to the stack of books. The dark essence that once surrounded the book started to be pulled towards the idol, which promptly disappeared. Belial proceeded to take the Infernal Texts and carried them, apparently without much effort despite of the apparent weight, towards a nearby rock desk. Still, curious of its weight, Malkar tried to lift it, and it weighed more than he thought it would be. He only managed to push it a little before he gave up.

"How the hell did he find a book like this?" said Malkar.

"The Asmodian seal was not the only security measure this book has," said Belial while lifting the pages. "I guess it really is intended for Fifth Circle demons."

"By making it weight more than it should be?"

"It's an Asmodian thing. I control hellfire, while they control gravity."

"They control gravity? I thought they would have something of a manipulation magic or something. I mean, Asmodel is the Prince of Wickedness, right?"

"Why don't you ask them yourselves? I don't know anything."

"For a three thousand years old demon, you don't know much, do you?"

"That's the job of someone like you. I lead my people. I just know Asmodians use gravity, alright? I don't know where the hell they came from. Now, maybe you should find out why these Texts have Asmodian magic as security measure instead of an Infernal."

Malkar sighed, knowing that Belial had told him everything. He felt like an idiot, thinking that an ancient demon like him would know it all when he should know the obvious. He was ancient, and he did not know what happened up there. Also, not all immortals decided to be good at learning things, at least from what the scholar hellhound knew from books.

Belial read the journal and translated them to Malkar, who jotted them down his journal. It gave better insight of the Ashen Kingdom, and how it was governed. The more he read it, the more they realized that the Kingdom was in fact made by Circle demons who never returned to their Circles and decided to live out their lives as mortals. It may sound like a dereliction of duty, but Belial understood why they were doing that, especially since he found out how life away of the Circle Hell was not as dull as he thought it would be.

Meanwhile, as Malkar and Belial kept studying the journals, Zardes took Gehen, Ammon, and Damos to the surface world. It was rather intimidating for Gehen and Damos, who lived all their lives in the Underworld, but Zardes and Ammon reassured them that it was alright.

"(It may be a little bright up there, especially when the sun's up)," said Ammon. "(It's hard walking around in the middle of the day when you can get literally burned up)."

"(It's night out there)," said Zardes. He then turned to Damos and Gehen. "(It may feel a little colder out there, but when the sun's up, it's going to be as hot as the Outer Rings)."

"(I hope you're right)," said Damos. "(I've never been to the surface before)."

"(Believe me. It's not that bad up there. Gehen)."

Gehen made signs, which was interpreted as, "(I will be fine. I trust you)."

"(Oh, don't worry. Through the Gate is a friendly place. You'll get to meet Malkar's team. I'm sure they already knew the ash hounds. So...what are we waiting for?)"

Gehen and Damos looked at each other and gave silent reassurance to each, while Ammon felt ready. Zardes walked into the Gate and out towards the familiar excavation site, a place where he felt safe.

He then noticed several people he knew. They were prepared to meet with ash hounds, but when they saw Zardes, they were surprised.

"Zardes?" said a human.

"It's me, Mike," said Zardes. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I hope you got the message. Otherwise, there's a lot of explanation to do."

"We got the message from Tresi. I guess you got a pretty rough adventure down there, huh?"

"Rougher than you would believe, Mike. Oh, let me introduce you to my companions. Be wary, though. They don't speak Common."

"Oh, yeah, we know that. Wehmer's been translating for us."

Then Ammon came out, followed by Damos and Gehen.

"So, the bat's Ammon, the ash hound's Gehen, and Damos's the hound. (Gehen, Damos, Ammon, this is Mike. He's one of Malkar's team who found the Crossing Gate)."

"Hi, there," said Mike. Ammon, who knew a bit of Common, replied with, "Hi."

"Malkar and another one's coming later," said Zardes. "Right now, we all need a change of clothes, a good shower, and real food. It's felt like ages since I ate something good."

"We got some food to spare from the dinner," said Mike. "Tresi's doing supplies right now. She's in Qeveriyt now."

"Oh, how I miss that dragon."

"Yeah. She missed you too. Good thing she's not a worrier. Otherwise, we might get a distressed dragon out here. You know how bad it is, right?"

"Oh yeah, I do. Anyway, I hope my tent's still standing."

"Yes, it is."

"And, uh...how about..."

"No," said Mike while shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Zar. Atmell's not back yet. We still haven't found him or that wyvern of his. They're still working on it, but after a month, the chance is they'd be somewhere deep in the other Regions."

"I think they're somewhere further than you think," said Zardes while looking at the night sky.

Then Belial and Malkar came out. Malkar noticed Mike and Zardes talking and said, "Mike! Oh, how am I glad to see you."

"You look like shit, Mal. And, who's the goat fella?"

"He's Belial. Don't bother saying hello. He can be a little rude. Still, how's the excavation going?"

"As you can see. The Gate's in fact inside a building that has been in ruins for a while. We are trying to determine what happened back then, but...."

"Your human ancestors found out about the Gate and destroyed the building to prevent an invasion," said Belial. "Crossing Gates are hard to destroy and impossible for you, so I think the building did the job for you. Anyway, I need to put these away. Any places I can use?"

"Use mine," said Malkar while pointing towards a lone table.

"That'll do."

Belial walked towards the table while Malkar and Mike looked at each other.

"I told you he can be rude," said Malkar with a shrug.

"Aren't all demons?"

"Well, I'm not. I hope the ash hound scholars were not, too."

"You're not a demon, Mal," said Mike while tapping his shoulder with a smile.

"I know."

Malkar looked as Mike walked away to his tent to rest. He then turned to the group and said, "(Well. Welcome to the surface world, everyone)."

Knowing that everyone was tired, they simply went to rest. Malkar took Ammon and Belial to his tent, while Zardes, Gehen, and Damos shared the tent that Zardes used with Atmell. It had been a while since the start of this journey for Zardes to have a good night's rest. Most of the time it was always danger that kept him away. He just wished that the danger did not reach the surface world yet.

Still, at least the Ashen Sorcerers down in the Underground knew how to defend the Gate, so it was a safe place, and he soon dozed off.