The Corruption- First Draft

Chapter 3

A couple days pass as the group heads to the demon embassy, and they arrive around midday, just in time to enjoy the cooler environment as the sun rests itself. Akae led the group as they walked up the main road to the embassy, the path well worn from horses trampling over it over the years.
He walked up to the door, knocking on it with a loud bang. Immediately the butler from before opened it, greeting them all. "Fancy seeing you all again. Sir La'et, I apologise for not using my abilities to teleport you all. I'm sure you know how it is with mental health," he said, playfully pointing to his head and giving a shit eating grin at the same time.
Akae sighed. "It's alright I guess. I can't relate though."
"No, of course you can't," Eilis said as his smirk dropped, beckoning the group to follow him inside. "I've talked with Lord Cassius about the situation so far, so he's caught up on everything. He's waiting for you all in the conference room," he led everyone through along side corridor that went straight to a tall tower, and took everyone up the stairs. Havre was pleasantly that the stairs were wide enough for her.
Jaryn took in what he saw of the embassy, rather confused on the architecture. Then again, he's never really visited castles before today. He has to wonder if this castle is the biggest of them all on Mirthae. The gothic decor left Ryo on edge, though Jaryn was rather fond of the look. The brothers paused momentarily at a family portrait of the Benoist family, back when Garbone and Lennon were babies. Cassius, and he assumes to be Garbone's grandmother and parents, and a satyr were in the portrait as well, all with a forlorn expression except for Cassius who looked, accomplished.
The two brothers quickly rejoined the group after examining the photo, Jaryn couldn't help but ask: "Does Garbone's parents know about what's going on?"
"Oh no, they died long ago. We're still trying to figure out how they died, but they went missing for a while until their bodies were discovered."
"How's Garbone been handling all of this?" Havre interjected.
"You can ask them yourself, they're right in here," Eilis opened up the door to allow everyone inside. "I'll leave you two to catch up for now before Lord Cassius starts the meeting," he said as he led the rest of the group into the conference room.
Havre stood in the living room, looking at Garbone. They laid on one of the many couches in there, smoking what smelled like wullo, close to falling asleep. Havre woke them up by saying "It's nice to see you again, Garbone."
They jolted upon Havre saying that, now fully awake. They looked at her with a smile. "It's nice to see you too, Havre. If only we weren't here for something so serious," they sighed, taking a light puff from the blunt. "Grandpops has been freaking out nonstop since Eilis told him about your village being attacked."
"I could imagine, with Lennon running around being connected to the killer. How have you been holding up?"
"It's been a struggle coming to terms with Lennon not being here still. Sorry I haven't returned your letters, I uh, this whole situation put me in a depressive sleep."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Did you get that tattoo recently? It looks nice."
"No, it's uh, uh- a magically induced one. I was tortured with it."
"By the gods, I'm so sorry," she whimpered, gently holding their hand. "If there's anything you need, please let me know."
Garbone's face turned red though they didn't want to acknowledge it. "Uh, thank, thank you," they stuttered. "Having someone here that isn't my grandpops is more, more than enough. I almost feel brave enough to join the meeting," they chuckled quietly.
"Oh you weren't going to join us?"
"No. I don't want another interrogation. But since you're here, maybe it won't be so bad. With a pretty face like yours I'm sure uh, things will be fine. Shit I'm sorry, did I say that last part out loud?"
Havre blushed and smiled. "Yes. I guess the wullo is kicking in, huh? Come on, let's go join the others," she said, helping them up.
Garbone tried to walk but struggled greatly, wobbling around until Havre helped them lean against her as they walked into the conference room. Everyone looked towards the two, with Cassius side-eying Havre.
"You must be Havre. Thank you for convincing him to join us," Cassius said.
"It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Lord Cassius. And of course, it's not an issue," She said as she helped Garbone sit down, before sitting next to them. She noticed Akae looking at Garbone with disgust and shot him a look in response. He sheepishly looked away.
"So, how was the trip? Did you run into any trouble since Havre's village was attacked?" Cassius asked Akae.
"No," Akae responded, meeting cassius' intense eye contact, "not much anyways. Aldmae was almost robbed, and some sea creature tried to destroy our ship, but it wasn't much. I handled it easily."
"I can always count on you to escort everyone safely. Aldmae do you know who tried to rob you?" Cassius asked, looking at him.
Aldmae avoided his eye contact. "I didn't know him personally, but according to Akae he was a professor at some magic school. Thank the gods for him showing up when he did, I'm on a trip to deliver something to the Angalts."
Cassius cracked an awkward smile. "The Angalts, huh? Well it's not my business what's being delivered. Tell Lord Cathal I said hi."
"Will do, my Lord. I wish I could stay longer, but I just had enough time to say hi. So hello, and have a great day," Aldmae said in a rush, standing up from his seat.
"Wait- before you go, surely you'll want to wait until the Sun comes back? Lots of thieves out around this time," Akae said.
"If there's one thing I've learned from wandering around Jyalb, it's that it's never smart to travel at midday," Jaryn mentioned.
Aldmae sighed, thinking for a second before sitting. "You're right. I just don't want to keep them waiting too long."
"Well then I'll walk you over after the meeting is over. Knowing you, I know you can't defend yourself," Akae suggested.
"True, true. Alright."
Ryo tilted his head watching the situation unfold. He couldn't explain it but something felt off about it. But he quickly dropped it, knowing there wasn't much he could do about it. He never did like dwelling on unexplained feelings.
"Anyways, Eilis has been telling me about Lennon since he was last seen. After fleeing from your village Havre, he ran to Lyniça Lake. Queen Esanai got her troops to him in time, but they were squashed by someone with quick running abilities. My money is on Eimla, she's the only person on Mirthae I know with that ability."
"Who's Eimla?" Jaryn asked.
"She's an Angalt, one of the three major ivierae families that first immigrated to Mirthae. She's well-known throughout Fzalder for her speed. But I'm also aware that like Lennon, she's a bit of pacifist. Garbone boy, did you see Eimla at all when you were kidnapped?"
"... Sorry who? Aislin? No, just uh. Just Kyazf and sommmme hooded figure," they mumbled, trying to pay attention. Havre petted their head as they unknowingly leaned against her.
Cassius stared intensely at the two, taking a moment to breathe and cracking his knuckles before saying "No. Eimla. What do you know about the hooded figure?"
"Oh no, did not see her. And no clue 'pops, just that he was reaaaally tall."
"How many times do I have to tell you to not call me that? You refer me as Lord Cassius. Havre, get your hands off my grandson," he hissed, banging his fist on the table.
Havre threw her hands up in surrender, eyes wide. Garbone stiffened up, their voice quiet. "I'm. I'm sorry, I.." They trailed off.
Aldmae covered his ears and hyperventilated as Cassius ranted on. Eilis walked over to him, and pulled down his mask just to pinch his chin. His third eye glowed a bright blue and he slowly calmed down.
Jaryn looked at Aldmae in suprise. He shot Akae a knowing look, trying not to freak out- but Akae didn't understand what he meant until looking at Aldmae himself.
Akae shot up from his seat upon seeing Aldmae, taking his momentary paralysis to grab him, and pin him down. Cassius stopped ranting upon seeing the display.
"He's got whatever Lennon got. Lord Cassius, do you have any available dungeon cells?"
"Oh- uh yes, the first cell in the basement." He said as Akae dragged him out of the room with one hand.
Eilis noticed Garbone panicking, and walked over to punch their chin, activating their powers. Their third eye glowed blue as they fell into a trance.
"Garbone uses self hypnosis when they're having a panicking attack," he explained to Havre.
"He's overreacting. He should know by now how to handle my ranting," Cassius scoffed.
"Have you tried taking them to a doctor? Surely something can be done about their panic attacks or something," Jaryn asked, looking at Cassius.
"We've tried multiple doctors, but none could fix him. I've even tried using my own hypnotism but he's stubborn. I blame you for spoiling him, Eilis," he said in a joking manner, though Eilis didn't respond to it as he placed a hand on Garbone's shoulder reassuringly.
Garbone's third eye faded back to teal as they breathed in and out slowly. "Thank you, Eilis."
"Are you alright, Garbone?" Jaryn asked.
"Yes, thank you for asking. I'm sorry for panicking, Lord Cassius," they said with an undertone of defeat and annoyance.
"Do better next time Garbone. If you won't respond to the help I've given you, the least you can do is act like you're normal."
Garbone nodded sheepishly.
"Good. Anyways, now that we have someone who's under the influence of whatever is going on, we can at least try to trace the magic. I'm not that great at it, but the Ambassador of Hell is, I'll see about getting his help. In the meantime, we should head to Darʌkys and discuss with the Highking and his court about what's going on."
"I've already told the Highking, and he's currently arranging a meeting for when you all arrive," Eilis chimed in.
"Thank you, Eilis. It should take maybe some weeks, maybe two for us to reach the capital."
"I didn't realise Symilf was that close," Jaryn mentioned.
"You're from West Jyalb, right?" Cassius asked.
"East Jyalb."
"I see, makes sense. Symilf is quite a distance away from your home country. Have you ever visited it before? It's quite nice."
"No, we haven't." He said, struggling to maintain eye contact with Cassius' never-ending stare.
"Who's 'we'?"
"My fox brother, Ryo," he gestured to him who was sleeping in his lap.
"How cute, I forgot your kind has a special connection with foxes. Anyways, I think that about does it for this meeting. We'll leave in the morning. In the meantime, Eilis will show you where you're all staying for the night, and feel free to wander around this tower. You're allowed in the main building of the embassy, just try not to go there unless you need me. If you'll excuse me, I have some people to process immigration papers for," he said, standing up and walking out of the room.
"I'll have Garbone show you to your room, Duchess Havre. Follow me, Jaryn and Ryo," Eilis said as he began walking out of the room.
Jaryn carefully picked up Ryo as to not wake him as he followed Eilis out.
He led the brothers out of the conference and the living room, into a circular hallway. He walked straight forward to the guest room, opening the door for Jaryn as he walked in. Jaryn was astonished by the size of it, larger than his own hut before he was kicked out of the village. He cleared his throat as he remembered he wanted to ask something. "Do you have any confidence that Lennon will be saved from whatever's happening to him?"
"From what I understand about the situation, it's not looking very good for him. He may be dead by the time he gains enough will to resist it. But with any luck we'll capture and restrain him like Aldmae."
"What if. What if he uh, chose to do what he's doing? I don't know him so I can't judge his character, but what if he secretly wanted this?"
"I can guarantee you he didn't choose to be controlled. Despite his weak constitution he never did enjoy submitting to authority, it's why he ran away in the first place."
"He ran away? I couldn't think about running away from a home like this.." He trailed off.
"Not with Lord Benoist as the leader of the family. Just you wait, after spending some time with him you'll understand. Did you need anything while I'm here?"
"Uh, no, thank you. We'll be fine for now."
Eilis nodded before walking off, "If you do need anything just call my name."
********
Garbone and Havre sat next to each other on a large rock, watching as the ring around the Sun spins, slowly bringing the day back.
"I can see why you and Lennon like this spot a lot, it's very pretty," Havre mentioned.
"Thanks. You know, I'm glad you came here, even if it was for a horrible reason. Things have been so stressful here without Lennon, I don't have anyone to confide in anymore."
"I imagine it must be difficult. As annoying as my brothers can be, I wouldn't give them away for anything. Maybe after this is all over you can leave with Lennon and find somewhere better to call home."
"That'd be a dream, to finally be free of Cassius. I think I would need to leave the continent though to find a safe place away from him."
"Then maybe you can live at my village! It's nice and quiet, and well-guarded."
"That does sound very promising. I might just have to take you up on your offer," they said with a smile, looking at her.
Havre smiled back, though it quickly dropped when she realised how close she was to Garbone, and scooted away a bit. "Sorry, I don't want to upset Lord Benoist again.
"It's uh, it's alright," they sighed, sitting back a bit. "I'm sorry about him. He thinks anyone who isn't an ivierae is a threat."
"That's a bit ironic coming from someone who mostly works with non ivierae," she chuckled. Garbone simply shrugged with a small smile.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but what's your gender?" They looked at her.
"Oh I'm a woman- a trans woman. Why do you ask?"
"I forget that cultures outside of Fzalder care more about right pronoun use, I wanted to make sure I'm using the right pronouns. But uh, I've never heard of a trans before. Is she/her the right pronouns?"
She giggled before laying back in her spot. "Well thank you for asking, yes those are the right pronouns. You've never heard of being transgender before?"
They shook their head.
"I'm surprised. But maybe that's just because being trans is very common where I'm from. It's so common even children knows what it means. Not that I think you're dumb or anything, I'm sure you've been well educated," she looked at them.
"About as well educated as you can be learning from someone like my grandpops. What does it mean?"
"Well, someone who was born one gender and decides to change it. I was born a boy. I became a girl to continue the tradition of our matriarchal society."
Their eyes lit up she they looked at her. "You can change genders! That sounds so cool. What kind of magic is that?"
"It's not magic, though it can be used. Being a girl is as simple as saying 'I am a girl'."
"Huh.. Interesting. I'm sure it'd be yet another thing Cassius disapproves of. If he even knows what it is."
"He doesn't need to know, it's why I haven't told him yet. He seems like someone who would be against it."
"Then why tell me?" Garbone asked curiously.
"I figured you'd be fine with it. Besides, it seems like something you should know about."
"Well, I'm glad you told me. It gives me a lot to think about."
"Do you.. Want to share those thoughts?" she scooched closer.
"W-well, uh.." They chuckled nervously, hair frizzing up. "I'm not saying I'm trans or anything, but, I don't know. I'm not really comfortable being a mina."
"What's a mina? I'm not familiar with Fzaldenz gender"
"Someone with uh, both sets. Down there. Usually also masculine or androgynous," they explained awkwardly through hand gestures.
"I see. Well if you're ever interested in trying out other genders I'd be happy to help you," she said, resting her hand on Garbone's. They smiled, looking up at the orange sky.
"You know, I might be interested. I've always been curious about dressing up."
"Lead the way to the nearest tailor then. I'll help you find a pretty outfit!" She said cheerily, slowly getting up.
Their face lit up as she suggested going to a tailor, and they stood up with her, helping her up. "There's this one tailor nearby I've been dying to visit, his power let's him create very intricate patterns by hand, I'd love to see his interpretation of current trends with his needlework," they gushed, hopping down from the rock. Have followed by walking down the slope.
"Seems like you've been thinking about this for a while. Do you own any outfits from him?"
"No. Grandpops doesn't like him because he married a human."
"And he's an ivierae, right?"
"Yep. It's a miracle he even let Lennon and I be born when my dad is a satyr. He thinks interspecies relationships can't work."
"Really? Wow I never knew that you're half satyr," she said, following Garbone as they walked southeast.
"Yeah, I figured I would've gotten some traits from my dad, but according to grandpops I have his eyes."