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The Greatest Wrath

Let's turn back time one day before the event witnessed by the Drundas denizens, shall we?

It was one day since Zardes's group noticed the Gates popping around everywhere. The group walked through one of the Crossing Gates to the surface world, where they were near a trading post somewhere between Qeveriyt and Longshan city, another city of dragons. As this was somewhere closer to Eastern Realms, the post was populated by eastern dragons. Unfortunately, eastern dragons, while they had a spiritual-type magic different from western draconic magic, were not all fighters. Even after being explained of the danger, they sadly could not help, for the dragons were traders, not fighters. They were not raised to fight, just to trade, like humans did.

Still, they were willing to warn Longshan of the danger. They had noticed the Crossing Gates and had felt a dangerous and demonic aura around them, something that defiled the nature of the surface world itself. While they also had reservations regarding Zardes, who they claimed to be 'tainted by demons', they knew the hellhound was trying to fight back, and that was enough for them to trust Zardes.

After seeing the dragons off, Zardes returned to the Ashen Lands to see what the others had been preparing for. Everyone had kept their hearts strong to what was possibly the final battle. Even Belial, who had an unrestrained violence when it came to fighting, looked unsure. He seemed to know that the demon they were fighting was not something he could defeat easily, not without a little help...or deception. He had never thought that Asmodel's strategy would really work. Still, he had always hated deception. Aside from it being a cowardly way out, it was not his style, anyway. He could not deceive. He was a demon who's far too honest for his own good. While it was a weakness, it could also be a power of its own, and Belial believed the latter.

Zardes looked at Belial before approaching him and said, "Any ideas?"

"I'd tell you if I have any. Now...well, now...I think it's best for me to shut up."

"How are you feeling, then?"

"To be honest with you, this is the first time I've ever felt so...helpless. I always know who to fight and who to be wary of, but now? In my 2000 years of being a prince, I've never felt this before. I don't know if it's my developing feelings or simple acknowledgement of fact, but I am no longer sure of the end."

"If it's the end you're talking about...I still prefer one where demons like us don't wander around like they own the place," said Asdal, who as beside Belial. "One or two is enough. Three princes getting involved in this affair is something devastating."

"So, are you saying that I'm not supposed to be involved at all?"

"Unless you are in Barbatos's place, I don't mind at all. Even if you're an asshole, you're okay in my book."

"Have an inspiration to continue that book of yours?"

"Maybe. Don't expect me to come back for a while, though."

"Yeah. I know what you mean."

Both Infernals exchanged smiles towards each other as they found an agreement. Zardes felt this was a little out of character for Belial, especially since he was quite lenient for a rogue Infernal like Asdal. Maybe it was because of Ammon. The group had recently known of Ammon's attraction to Belial, who seemed to return the feeling.

Even so, everyone knew that this battle could possibly be the last battle they would ever face. Not only because of the danger involved, but also because of the unknown territory they were facing. Barbatos's invasion was a real thing, and the opening stages of it had already happened. The hellhounds that were following the wrong cause were the first victims of the deception, and their purpose was to be a 'fodder' to weaken the opposition, before the main demonic army came and defeat them. The hellhounds knew that this was essentially a repeat of the events that also introduced the hellhounds to the surface world. It was also an attempted invasion by a far more dangerous group of demons that was apparently defeated by a group of former monarchs of the hellhounds and their entourages.

The demons were forgotten prisoners of hell called the Forever Damned. The situation during the attack was vague as everyone who defeated the Forever Damned, especially those who went to the deepest layer of hell, had lost their memories. Apparently, one of the hellhounds involved, Anubis Caropus, wrote about a world 'within a field of infinite stars, confined space, metallic surface', along with the vague description of a ship traversing this field of infinite stars and apparently beyond. It was dismissed as the rambling of a dying hellhound suffering from dementia, especially considering that Anubis Caropus was blind since childhood. Even then, he fought the Forever Damned with Ifrit Schelkz, the half-Infernal, and a handful of others remembered by the history books.

But, unlike the Forever Damned, this threat was real, not a proxy. The previous incident was started by a member of the Winsel family who fell victim to the Forever Damned's influence, and he rallied hellhounds to kill the monarchs and destroying the monarch system. Here, the threat was a true Circle Demon, not some demonic prisoners that were far too dangerous to be allowed to rule hell. Their powers were severely limited. Barbatos had no restraint, and so did Belial, except the Infernal was not even sure of his own ability to stop his own sibling.

But Belial of all knew that he was the only one who could stop the dark prince (and Asmodel, too, if he cared). They were both princes of their respective domains, with Belial already proving that he was the strongest Infernal there was. He would need to prove that he could protect the other's interests by stopping Barbatos from finishing his plan, both to keep his title and to give himself a chance to try something else in his approach to ruling his domain.

As for the rest, their primary mission was to keep the surface world safe, and they would try to do it even if all they could do was support Belial and keep out of his way. They still need to find Barbatos and where he was before it was too late.

And so, they discussed about this in Alhen's home, which quickly turned into a disagreement when Asdal said, "(We have no other choice. We must use Ammon to find Barbatos or we won't find him)."

"(How? Ammon is a Vessel)," said Belial. "(I never read anything from your book saying that Vessels can communicate with their host)."

"(They can't, but if Barbatos does not maintain a connection, he won't be able to possess the Vessel. What Ammon needs to do is to trace this connection back to Barbatos)."

"(How am I supposed to do that?)" said Ammon. "(You have the idea, so tell us)."

"(I think that would be a bad idea)," said Alhen. "(If your attempt to communicate turns out to be a two-way communication, we have compromised our position and lost all element of surprise)."

"(We already lost that element when Barbatos sent his minions against us)," said Zardes. "(He knows where we are. I sure hope he does not know what we're planning, because that's where we're truly fucked)."

"(Fuck. I did not think of that before)," said Belial, shaking his head.

"(That's not the only problem. He must've known that we are the only ones who pursued him and had known what he was planning in the first place)," said Asdal. "(I can't say he's desperate, though. Unless...unless he knew whatever we do won't matter to him)."

"(Then, Asdal, I hope you know something about that road to darkness bit you wrote in your journal or we'll lose)," said Zardes. "(And Ammon, I know you want to help find Barbatos, but I have a feeling that this is a risky endeavor. We can't risk losing you to him)."

Ammon nodded his head, but his expression told Zardes that even he did not know what to do if his attempt was in fact a trap. Everyone in that room did not know what to do, and they were stumped. Things had not been easy for them, especially after they found out that whatever they did, one truth remained. They had been manipulated by Asmodel.

Zardes excused himself to go outside. Now that the boundary field was gone, he could stay around Alhen's house without being plagued by guilt or even fear. This also helped Itresil for she could guard the house more effectively, given that the demon dragon was closer to the house.

As Zardes sighed, a familiar voice greeted him.

"Oh my. I guess things have gone bad," said the voice with a little hint of mockery. "I wonder how you'll take care of it."

"Just in case you know, Asmodel," said Zardes, incensed. "This also concerns your own well-being. If your brother won, you won't be able to slip out of this. You'll just be his underling."

"A fate some would say...the worst," said Asmodel. "I wonder. How do you climb in your hierarchy, hmm? Kings and queens got their position by birthright, but how about a low life? An ordinary, yet ambitious man, who vowed to do anything, even taking one's life, to be able to secure a meal tomorrow? Does he choose to rebel against their superior, or hold back his pride until the moment to strike?"

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Why? Because I think you don't have the guts to be dirty. You chose the 'righteous', albeit violent, path, to finish this little adventure of yours. Why don't you do yourself dirty? Why not surrender?'

"Surrender? What the fuck are you...oh, wait. I think I see your point."

Asmodel let out a grin. Yet, unlike his usual grins, this was a satisfactory grin, almost a happy one, in fact. The hellhound was a mortal, after all, and in all mortal, all it needed to spark something dark inside them was a little old demonic whisper.

"But there is a very high chance that Barbatos won't take prisoner, and you know how we strive to survive. Ammon may have a chance to..."

"Your comrade may have a chance, but do you think it will be somewhere for the next hour? Or maybe day? By then, Barbatos will have made his move, and that Fuzandre will lose his free will, and we all lose. You have only one way to do this, and that is..."

Asmodel beckoned Zardes to him and he whispered something that shocked Zardes enough for him to say, "Oh no. No way! He's not going to like it."

"What is it, Zardes?" said Itresil, who had been silently listening to their conversation. "What did he suggest?"

"He...."

Asmodel put his finger on his maw, in which Zardes understood. He then whispered to his dragon, who also had a similar, but less dramatic, reaction.

"I see," said Itresil. "He clearly won't like it."

"Oh, but I think you don't have any other choice," said Asmodel. "Let me give you another info. I've seen your young Fuzandre's growth and let me tell you something. He'll be fulfilling his own oath in no time. But then...it's your choice whether you want him to develop it by his own pace or give him a little boost by taking a shortcut. There's never a better way to learn than something emotional for motivation, after all, especially when you're this desperate."

"I...still don't think this is a good idea," said Zardes, clearly voicing his reluctance.

"Mortals," said Asmodel with a sigh. "You can't do anything yourself, do you? Sometimes, to find a solution in a dead-end, you need to be more pragmatic. Barbatos is not desperate, but you clearly are."

"Then go with me and talk about it. I'm sure...."

"And take your element of surprise away?" said Asmodel with a chuckle. "Sure, Barbatos won't buy it. There's no way such a close group like you suddenly break apart out of nothing. But he'll be delighted to know that his goal is already made, and he won't even think about anything else. All he ever care about is the body you've been growing for him, so take this chance and be done with it."

Zardes was hesitant. He clearly did not like this at all. Asmodel was still manipulating him while giving him a clue to finish what the Asmodian had tried to do. But...it was worth a shot. Given that Barbatos had already been many steps ahead, the group needed something hasty. Something risky, to try and fight back.

That's when he silently reached to his bag and pull out something inside. He had almost forgotten that little piece of box that contained a technology that was both effective and degenerating for anyone caught in it. He did not like it, but Barbatos was their top priority, and he could not think of any other way.

"Zardes, are you sure about this?" said Itresil, who was trying to be the moral compass. "Belial is not the type who'll forgive you that easily. If you put him in that suit again..."

"I know, Tresi, I know," said Zardes while clenching his teeth. "But this is the only way to know what Barbatos is planning for us. I..."

Itresil then turned to Asmodel while baring her teeth. "Remember this, demon prince. Whether this plan works or not, Belial will know."

"Oh, I'm sure he's going to suspect me," said Asmodel with a smile. "He may be a simple-minded idiot who knows how to fight, but he's not an ignorant idiot."

"Any guarantee this will work, then?"

"I may claim to not know my dear brother, but I know things to consider when facing him, even when he sees things."

"If you know a lot about him, then why don't you do it yourself?"

"I don't pull the trigger, dragon. I only implore someone to do it. Never show everything to your enemy, or even your ally. You only have yourself, so keep that in mind."

"It is sad, isn't it?" said Zardes. "Knowing that even if you win, you'll be alone. Do you really want that to be your life? Sitting on your throne while thinking about anyone who might try and take it from you?"

"I think you forget who you're talking to, mortal," said Asmodel while chuckling. "I'm a demon prince. I have been sitting alone for two and a half thousand years planning, and planning, and always planning. It's the life of someone who knows what he's doing, and someone who enjoys what he's doing. No guilt, no conscience, just winning."

Zardes scoffed while Asmodel smiled. "Can you even do that, mortal? Even the evilest psychopath in your history must've a little compassion. I am an evil incarnate. A demon."

"Just get out of my sight, you fuck," said Zardes while glaring at a clearly smug Asmodel. "Before I punch that shit-eating grin of your face."

"I won't do that if I were you," said Asmodel while turning around. "Not if you still want to fight."

Zardes was seething in rage, but it only made Asmodel smile on his feline face. He always liked seeing the pieces fall into place and had always loved seeing other suffer from indecision and desperate measures.

He wondered why he was considered a wrath demon while he was clearly a deceitful demon. Maybe he was a sadist who tried to make others despair and full of hatred. That might be it. Either way, he had known that this plan to dispose of Belial would not work. Even if there was the slightest amount of chance it might work, it was a very small chance.

But, Asmodel always preferred the side lines, and was interested to see how things go. Maybe a surprise will come in the form of Ammon? Who knows? He's going to be someone interesting, and Asmodel knew it.

Still, he would like to see what happened next, though he primarily wanted to see Belial humiliated.

***

Inside the house, Belial was talking to Ammon when the demon bat noticed Zardes coming into the house. Both turned to see him, but Zardes, without saying anything, pushed a button on the remote. Slowly, but surely, the collar around Belial's neck started to coat his body with the same slick substance he had been imprisoned in earlier. This act was clearly surprising to everyone in that room, especially towards Belial.

"What the fuck, Zardes?!" said Belial while trying to struggle out of the suit that started to limit his movement. "This is no time for a sick joke!"

"This is not a joke, Belial," said Zardes with a hint of hesitation in his voice. "You are going to be our bargaining chip."

"You son of a bitch, get me out of this goddamn suit!" By this point, Belial had been fully coated, and his arms were held behind his back, severely limiting his movement. That's when he saw Zardes's face. It was not the face of someone who was joking, but someone who was desperate. He must've thought of something drastic, which happened to be the capture of Belial.

"Zardes, you are not going to get away with this," said Belial while trying to use hellfire, to no avail. "If you're serious, then you've made yourself an enemy in me. I will kill you, Zardes. I will kill you!"

This was when Zardes approached Belial as the goat demon completely lost his mobility. He then whispered, "Keep struggling, Belial. Think of me as an enemy who betrays you. If we want to get to Barbatos, you need to look convincing enough for this to work. I know Ammon's eyes are also Barbatos's."

Zardes then put his back so that Ammon's eyes was obstructed. He did not want to take chances.

"Trust me on this. And yes, it's Asmodel's idea. If you want something convincing, just try picture him in your head. You'll get the idea."

If Belial was the same demon from the start of the journey, he would not even trust what Zardes said and would try to deliver threats towards him. But, he trusted Zardes enough and respected his fighting skills to know that this was Asmodel's plan, not Zardes's. He silently nodded while resuming his (half-hearted) threats towards Zardes, who was pulled by Asdal aside.

"What the fuck are you doing?!" shouted Asdal. "If this is a stupid joke, I won't forgive you for getting rid of our powerhouse! Sure, Belial's a jerk, but he's a strong jerk."

"Barbatos will like seeing his hated brother in chains," said Zardes. "We'll take Belial as a leverage."

"That does not make sense to me! Give me that remote!"

Zardes wanted to say that this was Asmodel's idea out loud, but he knew that would cause this act to become less convincing and cause it to fail. He needed everyone to think that he had gone crazy and desperate enough to try and bargain Belial to incite a reaction from Ammon, who had been under Barbatos's control for a while.

Ammon was also reactive and tried to push Zardes away, even starting to freeze him unintentionally until Asdal noticed this and pull Ammon away. That was when Ammon saw something through his eyes, and that was his first time ever seeing the bane of his existence and the source of all the problems he had.

"(It looks like your little group finally knows who to blame)," said Barbatos. "(I must say. It takes a while. Clearly, mortals have a problem with attachment)."

"(What do you want from us?)"

"(My brother in chains, and you, my dear Vessel)," said Barbatos. "(You can no longer run from this, Vessel. Without Belial, you are nothing, and now, you will be mine)."

Ammon felt something before he realized that Barbatos was invading his brain, conditioning him. Soon, he lost control of his body. Ammon realized that this was what everyone was trying to prevent: his takeover. Once he was taken over, it was already too late.

However, Ammon was not the kind of demon bat to accept his defeat. Struggling in his mind, he tried his best to reject Barbatos.

"(Get out of my head!)" shouted Ammon inside his head. It did not came out as a voice that others could hear.

"(If it was Belial, he would know that you're no longer yourself and would kill you)," said Barbatos. "(But I never thought he would fall in love with you, a Vessel. You are nothing but a pseudo-demon made for the purpose of my body, and he loves you for it. What a way to fall. It's a sure sign that he's not fit to be the ruler of all hell, let alone the Fifth Circle).

"(Still, you are given a good view from your head as your body is under my control)," said Barbatos. "(Things are finally interesting now, dear Vessel. I'll give you the final look before your existence is no more)."

"(I do exist, dark lord! My name is Ammon, and I swear to my mentor and everything I lived for to defeat you and subjugate you!)"

"(Your mentor? Oh, you mean that old, blind hound that betrayed me? Shame that little thrall of yours did the job for me. I must thank you for giving her a new existence)."

This shook Ammon. What did Seja, the female ash hound who took care of Lehrn, had to do with it? Then, he started to piece together everything, as Ammon realized the horror of what he had done.

"(No)," he said in horror. "(No! I refuse to accept it! You fucking monster!)"

"(He never saw it coming)," said Barbatos's voice with a satisfied laugh that disgusted Ammon. "(And now...I will see to it that no one is going to interfere)."

Ammon could only watch as he approached Zardes, who was arguing with Asdal. He knew what Barbatos was planning. Killing everyone in that room was a sure way to achieve victory, as they were the closest to thwart Barbatos's plan. Ammon did want Zardes to at least be injured, mostly because he had fallen into betraying his friends out of desperation. Ammon hated him for it, but he had no heart to kill a hellhound who he had known as a friend. However, the others were not guilty of what Zardes was trying to do, and he did not want them to be killed by his own hands.

That's when he felt rage, and determination, and everything he ever tried to do, to try and keep himself under control. He raged, drawing upon the power of the fact that he was helpless, to the point where he voiced his desire to take Barbatos out. He must do it, for Belial, and for others.

Ammon's determination took his control of his body back, and he stopped himself from biting Zardes. Ammon quickly walked outside while he opened his wings.

"(I will protect my friends and make you suffer, Barbatos!)" shouted Ammon as he took flight.