Ancient Pasts - Tbate

Hell After Hell

Cathan Leywin Pov

His words hung in the air as his eyes studied the landscape with a solemn and a nostalgic expression plastered on his face. Looking into his cold eyes, I noticed he didn't want to talk about it, so I changed the subject.

I held up the tree branch with a thoughtful expression. "Do you think we can make this into a weapon?"

"With the right materials, yes." Miras nodded, his expression relieved. "Do you have any particular ideas?"

"I'm still not sure, but I have an inkling." I nodded back.

"Are you sure you want to use that branch on a single weapon?" Miras questioned. "That branch is larger than the one used before."

"If everything goes according to our plan, we won't need that many weapons." I quipped.

"Indeed, the power of three reincarnates and the children of the strongest beings in the world should be enough to finish that plan." Miras pondered. "You are naturally aware of the risks, correct?"

Hearing this, I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth. "You've seen those visions, Miras."

"I have, and I know how much they hurt you." Miras replied.

The visions kept repeating themselves in my mind, as if they were taunting me. I wanted to bury them, but they kept on coming back. At first, they just gave me a reason to train harder, but now I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry away my fears.

"If it means those visions won't come true, I will do anything."

"I suppose there's no arguing with you." He sighed. "I'll work on the idea with Uriel when I get back, so send me your so-called idea."

Nodding, I sent my memories into Miras' mind. I could feel him study the memories with interest, as if he was familiar with it. Biting my tongue, I held back my questions, knowing I would get the answers when I needed them.

Standing up, Miras looked at me. "I have an idea for the materials of this, so I'll leave now."

He took a deep breath before interlocking his hands in a complicated gesture. I could sense the ambient mana and aether fluctuate as Miras skillfully manipulated both to his will.

A dazzling beam of golden light struck the ground. It took a few moments for it to disappear, but when it did, Miras was gone. Looking at the ground, I noticed a large circular rune that seemed related to whatever he just did.

Making sure to engrave the memory of the rune into my mind, I reminded myself to study it later. I let out a sigh, rubbing my brows and letting my tears run free. Those visions kept repeating themselves day after day.

I knew Miras saw them as well. He was connected to me, after all.

He also knew what ability I wanted the weapon to have, but he still didn't say anything about it. I've always kept mentioning I would do anything for my family, and he believed me. Then again, I've been using a similar ability for quite a while.

He probably knew I was using it, but he still didn't stop me. We both knew it was necessary, and we were ready to start executing our plan. It'll take a few years, but the tyranny of the asuras will finally end.

I looked up at the sky, feeling the ambient mana still affected by the tree. "Your reign is at an end, Kezess."

***

Mana moved as I commanded, spreading throughout the surrounding area, while aether bent to my will, curiously studying everything. The two forces neither fought nor bowed to each other, but lived together.