Salvos (A Monster Evolution)

Chapter 21.1 - Ashes. Lots of Ashes.

"But why must we go to Maplewell?"

Daniel protested, following behind me. I did not turn around as I continued my march down the dirt path.

"Because he's there. And if what Blake says is true and this 'Gold Ranked team' is going to kill him, then we have to stop them."

"He? Do you mean the Greater Demon? Luc— Luci—"

"Lucerna."

I stopped as the road split into two. I glanced back at the Human man as he too halted.

"Which way is this 'Maplewell'?"

"I don't know. And I don't want to go there. What happens if the Gold Ranked team finds out you're a Demon too? They'll think you're trying to aid it— him."

He paused, narrowing his eyes.

"Wait, are you trying to help that Demon?"

"No! I don't even like Lucerna. He tried to kill me and I couldn't kill him."

"Then why do you want to save him? Let the Gold Ranked team take care of him— it's a win-win situation for us all!"

I stared at Daniel, trying to articulate my thoughts. It was not that I wanted Lucerna to live; he was a menace, and he should have died to the [Cultists]. But he was strong and he killed them all instead. Just like he would have killed me if I hadn't fled in time. And yet...

"He's the only one who knows how to get me back to the Netherworld. You— you Humans haven't been any help at all. But Lucerna was the one who brought me here in the first place. He would know how to bring me back."

"And you think he'll just tell you?"

"He won't, but we can make him if the Gold Ranked team defeats him. Then you guys can kill him for killing all your Human companions in Silverdale and Fairgrove!"

"It's Silvergrove and Fairdale... are you doing that on purpose?

I shook my head, ignoring his question; I cast my gaze back to the forked path. It was getting dark again. We had spent too much time asking questions in the city about the Demon attack— again. I was starting to see a pattern here, and I was not sure if I liked it.

In the far left, above the vast canopy of trees that stretched to the horizon, I spotted a speck in the twilight sky. Billowing up to the white clouds above was a column of smoke; it blew strongly with the wind, slowly being carried higher and higher. I pointed at it.

"There— that's smoke!"

Daniel grimaced as I excitedly ran back to him.

"That means that's where Maplewell is. Lucerna uses smoke!"

I tried to wave him forward, gesturing for him to hurry up as he simply stood there.

"What are you doing? If we don't hurry it up, we're not going to make it there in time!"

The Human man hesitated, biting his lower lip. I cocked my head, confused at the way he was acting.

"I..."

He started, then stopped. I frowned.

"What? What do you want to say?"

He sighed, glancing away from the smoke and down at me.

"I don't think that's smoke from magic, Salvos. And I don't think we'll be getting the answer you want anytime soon."

...seriously? Am I going to have to wait longer again?!