Chapter Twenty Three: Victory and Complications

XXXX

So, Halina walked in on me naked rubbing my sword.

As I sat there on the bed, she opened the door to see me sharpening a sword across my very bare body. Freezing like a deer in the headlights, she didn't seem to know what to do.

"Uh, what the heck?" she asked. Her hand went over her eyes.

"Sorry. I need this sword to be shiny and clean for tonight. And I just showered. Sorta just went with it."

Her hands slowly opened up, and her frown grew bigger. "I haven't seen that sword before."

"Because before coming here I used a magic ball to make it look different. I removed it a few days ago, which was a complete bitch to do." Still polishing the sword, I pulled out a magic elixir, and dumped quite a bit onto an old rag. Wiping the clear liquid all over the blade, hilt, handle, and everything, I found my rhythm while Halina watched. "Look, I'll explain tonight, but this sword is going to change a great deal. I'll be hated, mistrusted, and dismissed. Yet Triton will have no choice but to join me."

The human grunted, then went to her side of the room. "Really, I don't care. Just put on some pants. Please. I beg you."

Grunting, I stood and found underwear. Putting them on, I felt the weight of the sword in my hand grow. Yes, Yes, I know. But not that much longer, I promise.

"Do you think any more Witch agents will hunt us?" Halina asked suddenly. She was also changing, into something more neutral. Smart. We can't have Triton swayed by looks or beliefs. "Should I be worried?"

"No, I think there'll be no more tonight. We killed strong creatures, so they'll not want to waste any more without certainty." I found a shirt, and threw on a leather jacket. "I'm curious as to how all this will play out."

"He's going to hate your guts."

"I had the same thought."

"No you didn't."

I smirked. "And why not?"

"Because you are trying to forge an ally. So you're thinking happy, positive thoughts. To try and make up for the fact that he's going to hate your guts."

Slipping on jeans, I shrugged at the statement. "Honestly, it's hard to do. But hey, at least I'm trying."

Halina looked at me with a wide eye. She had her shit shouldered, tapping her foot patiently. "Kings do better than that."

"Don't ridicule me," I said while packing the sword into the duffel bag. I armed myself, and prepped my satchel. God, it felt like war, but wasn't. Can never be too careful. Can never doubt the truth. Triton could change his mind and try to end what his ancestors started. Then there'd be no rebellion, no resistance. And I'd be in deep shit. "No king has ever said anything with a hint of doubt. Because if everyone else knew he was scared, then the castle would die."

"Blah blah blah." We made for the door, and Halina sighed. "No turning back now, is there?"

"Nope. But don't worry. War wouldn't really care either way."

She snickered, shaking her head freely. "Of all the stupid people to ask for help, I had to ask you."

"I too wonder the same thing. Why you're still here is a miracle beyond belief. I appreciate it by the way." Going out into the streets, the Swirling was back to the dark colors of night. Not that it felt like night. "Few have stayed with me out of pure choice."

"Lord, you are a child. So, predictions for tonight?"

I huffed in a simple, elegant way. I wasn't sure if the local authorities came for the bodies of those I slayed. Who knows. Who cares. Now, though, fear drifted off me. Not from answering the question, but by the statement of war. There are no bystanders. Humans, for all your childish thoughts, you seem to believe bystanders are evil. Death warranted. I mean, if you didn't, war wouldn't exist.

Halina, you foolish girl. I watch as you brave battles with me, and I do my best to save what I can. The Hidden, oh, we care for so much and so little. Necromancers, however, are a different story yet be explained. We never had love for the humans. Neither the Hidden, but some of them at least had faith. I see death and war the same. Because the cause justifies the means.

My eyes locked onto Halina's swaying body. Woman, I will do my best to protect you. Whatever I can, however I can. Because after this night, you could become a casualty. And I will only be able to weep genuine tears.

I'm sorry Halina. I--I've not failed this badly in years.

********

It was late. To late to be out. I never went out this late. Why didn't I ask for Katlen to come with me? Idiot, idiot, idiot. There was a chance she'd say yes, to at least make sure nothing bad happens. But no, you had to venture out alone. What did the parents always say?

Walking, I did appreciate the quiet of the night. I mean, my pen still clicked, but there was no bustling city noise or angry people walking around. I hate traffic, and crowds, and most people in general. What's worse? Crowds, or just mean people? I don't know, because I have to bear each every single day.

Dinner had been good, in fact I wish I was still there. Why did that fool leave his phone in my office? Or not come back for it? Ditto doesn't seem like the kind to forget. No matter, here I am going and doing something nice.

Is this even nice? Doubt it. Returning the favor is all. For giving me information I'm secretly collecting. Am I a bad person then? A match to those I avoid?

I saw the hotel, and......Ditto and Halina leaving. Huh, where are they going?

Great, deeper into the city. Not what I call ideal.

Stepping quickly, I was going to call out, but I didn't. Something wasn't right. They were heading for the darker parts of the city. Why? What could he need there?

A voice burned in my head. Going against every bone in my body, I followed from afar. My heels made sound, but no more sound to bother the Necromancer. It was clear they weren't being distracted by small details.

My mind was a blur. What was going on? Has he done this every night? High Kam, what a fool I've been. To believe there wasn't secret events taking place. What will I encounter? A demon summoning? A good possibility, considering I don't know his range of magics. Or what about some weird orgy? I know of a few cults of Kam that practice those.

Overthrowing the Pillar? Or Kal'en's government? No, he doesn't seem like the type to go after power through bureaucracy. To slow and boring. An orgy could be correct. Katlen told me about his genitalia. Why she saw them at all is still a mystery.

No matter. They were traveling to a place I didn't really like.

I fought for breath. You idiot, you should have just ran up and gave the phone. Now there's a good chance he'll kill you, and use your corpse for war. I can't fight. Won't fight, even in death. Gah, dumb Ursula, you couldn't stop him. Obviously nothing can.

Huh, the more we went, I saw more and more warehouses. What the heck is all the way out here?

Oh no, he is going to an orgy.

That's when I felt a presence. Behind me. I went to stop, but Ditto had stopped, and was talking with a magi. No, two magi. Good, they can keep me safe.

I called out. "Ditto!"

He spun, and I felt something cold on my neck. He scowled. "Shit."

XXXX

"Are you the one Triton is meeting?" the magi asked. He was tense, for some odd reason. Giving me a well placed once over, he asked again. "Well, are you?"

"Yes, I am. Can we not stay out here to long? I hate whispering glances." I heard my name called, and we all looked at Ursula, who now had a knife placed on her neck. "Shit."

"Hey Edd, found this one wandering around. Should I kill her?" the guard said.

I panicked. "No! She's with me. Just lagged behind is all, isn't that right Ursula?"

The nature magi had sweat beading down her neck, with lots of anxiety. Ugh, strong anxiety too. Shit, she needs to say something.

"Uh, yes, of course. You dropped your phone, and I was returning it."

I held up a hand, careful to not freak anyone out. "Just remove the knife, and take me to Triton. We can't be out wasting time. We're all busy people."

The guards shrugged, and lead us inside the rather big warehouse. It was clear this was a rebel outpost. Magi were doing things such as moving supplies, delivering orders, and making weapons. A big open space, it was almost a hanger. Without the airplanes. Halina was smiling, and I grabbed Ursula by the arm. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"You left your phone at the office. I came to return it," she said. She was eyeing everything with a neutral face. "What is this?"

"A rebel location. I'm.......meeting Triton."

She blinked. Not much of a reaction.

"Why?" she said, handing me my phone. Oh yeah, I forgot about that. "He's a traitor."

"And I'm not a magi, so who cares?"

The people around us paused in their activities, watching as we went by. Some mumbled to each other, as though they saw me for what I was. Others were pointing at Halina, noting her human qualities. The guards did little about it, taking us to a back room.

Stopping before a door, the magi spun and gripped their weapons. "We must ask you to relieve your weapons."

I laughed. "No. Sorry, you can kill me on sight in there if you want. But I'm not giving you assholes anything."

Halina handed out a small knife. "Here. All I got."

"Where'd you get that?" My eyebrow was raised in question.

"I bought it yesterday."

"Oh," I said. "I could have given you a free knife."

She placed the knife in a palm. "I don't trust anything you own."

Ursula opened up her hands, revealing nothing. "No weapons here."

I think the guards weren't really concerned. Because they grunted, stepped back, and opened the door. Rolling my shoulders and cracking my knuckles, I went in first.

Why am I always going into mysterious doors first anyways? What if I'm stabbed? I'd rather the human get stabbed.

I kid, I kid. Geez, take a joke everyone.

Well, it was obvious this room was only used for small staff meetings. Because the room was tiny. The long pale table had about ten seats. Shitty wooden ones at that. At the head sat who I believed to be Triton, with the one's Kol and Grandy, and another I didn't know. Interesting. What does this mean I wonder? Trust? Faith? Ugh, mentioning those words made me sick.

The door closed. And we were motioned forward.

Ursula was processing this at a pace faster than I could imagine. Her mind was wheeling information at godspeed. The pen was the only noise she made. And Halina was reveling with each moment. I'm starting to think bringing her anywhere was a mistake.

The three of us went and sat on the right side of the table, where no one was sitting. Halina next to me on my left, then Ursula. Directly across from me was Grandy, then Kol, and the other magi was standing behind Triton. Confidence, arrogance, uncertainty, fear. Emotions of peasants.

Before words, I examined Triton. Good thing his face has been all over the news. Handsome, well-rugged, and long blonde hair. He had scars on his hands, with a few on his cheeks and ear. So, another damn warrior.

He also looked me over. Ah, I understand. Two guys, who don't want to make some mistake in appearances alone. While I get the logic, I'm better than most at figuring out people. I explained this already I'm pretty sure.

"Then you are the Necromancer?" Triton asked, breaking the silence. His voice made me get a.......hard. Seductive, yet forceful. Lord, give me strength. "It seems you are still armed."

"Am I said Necromancer?" I faced Halina. "Is it true?"

"It is, I'm afraid."

"Yes, Mr. Triton, I am the Necromancer. And I'd say my other titles but you all seem to ignore them anyways." I was slightly uncomfortable. Triton, a very strong earth and wind magi. I could feel the power. Jacro level? No. But he had skill. What can he sense from me? "I say, I love the fact you brought those two. They look delighted."

Grandy and Kol remained silent, probably under orders. The lone magi also said nothing.

Triton repeated himself. "Why are you armed?"

"'Cause when have you seen another necromancer? Hmm? Never. So yeah, I'd just deal with it if I were you."

The other magi gave a small smirk. An older woman, dressed for battle, and looking like she'd been in the frontlines of war. I smelled mind magic. More light than dark.

"Well, let's begin," Triton said. "Before anything else, I have background questions to ask."

"Naturally." I reached out my hand, and he shook it.

He nodded. "Who are those two?"

I faced them. Icebreakers, high school style. "The human is Halina, my personal historian. The magi is Ursula, the....scout. She is my inside source."

I saw a frown and a smile. I'm sure you can figure out which belonged to who. Halina waved a hand, and Ursula merely sat there. Well, better than speaking probably.

"Your knowledge of the Sleeping Witch. What is it?"

"Why she wants blood, and what she's using it for." Now my own lips moved with grace and empathy. "I would give that information, but now I'd request to ask a simple question."

Triton moved his head at the mind magi, raising a cut eyebrow. The two made eye contact. "Yes, I suppose if we are going to agree to a deal, then I believe that's fair."

"What do you know of the Sleeping Witch?"

"I already asked you that question."

Ursula actually chuckled to this. And spoke. "He knows more. At least he assumes so. I suggest listening."

Aw, the woman is adorable. Glad she brought me my phone. I popped a finger. "Depends on what you know, but I'm positive I can fill in the gaps."

"The Sleeping Witch, to our knowledge, is an ancient witch who slumbers. She is waging an unknown war for some unknown purpose, and offers immortality as the reward for fighting. Immortality and power." He hesitated. Grandy eyes opened wide, apparently wanting to hear this. "I was offered the power when I was a general. Denying it, I knew I must stop this creature from using her power to destroy us all."

"Wow, I'm touched. Brought to tears." I made mocking tear streams. "Truly. A real hero. No wonder they all flock to your cause."

My words meant nothing. Triton went on. "The Witch. Tell me."

"Fine, fine. The Sleeping Witch, she sleeps now but her conscious is stirring, due to the increase in war. War though has been waged because she needs to fuel two rituals."

"What does that mean?" Grandy asked. She sounded like the child she was. "Rituals?"

"Yes, two of them. Blood rites. The first to awaken her, and let her walk once again." I leaned back, watching the faces carefully. The woman's features were blank. Grandy was intrigued. Kol, worried. Ursula was clicking as normal. And Triton acted normal. "The second is to reignite her elder powers, which is the single purpose for all of this. She wants her powers again. To destroy the Layers single handedly."

"How do you know this?" the woman finally asked. Her voice was near man. I squinted. Ah, I understand. Fair, fair. "We've never heard of those rites before."

"Ha! One question at a time. That one will be answered eventually." Now I gritted my teeth. Business mode. "Alright, you know why I'm here. We covered the basics. What I want is to forge an alliance."

"I still have more questions, Necromancer." Triton leaned forward. "You are unknown to all of us. I need more."

Ugh. Have any of you seen a cup close to the edge of a table? Well, that's me, and how close I am to losing my shit. I have a fucking name. My mother gave me one when I was born. Is it impossible for people to use?

"Hey, Magi, I have a name. Ditto Night. And I highly, highly recommend remembering it." I don't care if I'm on thin ice. Never. But the day it breaks is the day hell is unleashed and no mercy will be shown. "Now, you'll get more. I promise this much. However, we're short on time, and I need to make this happen before I go back to Earth. So, shall we talk?"

The woman moved, getting closer, her magic fluttering. "Very well. I wish to know what you can offer us, because we are in need of supplies. The Pillar are corrupted, and we can't compete with their full will."

And I can? Damn, flattery at it's finest.

I looked at Halina. "Hm, what abilities do I have to aid them?"

She shrugged. "Supposedly you have an undead army."

My finger made a 'you're right' gesture. "Oh, that's a good one. Yeah, undead as far as the I can see. Perfect for fighting fanatics. Both undeterred by the bloody mess to come."

"You got Earth friends right?" she asked.

"A few. A man doesn't wander the earth and not make any."

"Weapons supposedly?"

"More tricky. Many are necromancer in origin. Very destructive, and one might consider, 'evil'."

Halina blinked. I love this woman. "All sound like reasonable options."

"I know. Yet there is still doubt."

Triton grunted in distaste. "We don't need necromancer weapons."

"Says you," I said without thinking. "What weapons are being made in the other room? Let's see, I saw swords, grenades, staffs, magic amplifiers, armor, automatons, with a few shields and cannons. Real impressive. If this was a fucking dodge ball match. Oh, I'm sure you have tanks and maybe a few war beasts. I heard you raided a military outpost recently. How hard was that to do? Tough, I bet. Now, I've been making calls. Using favors. Some to those with a lot more connections than I. But, which I stress, I'm not losing this war. And will win at any cost."

The mind magi slammed her fist down. "We keep hearing you want an alliance, but all you've shown is words. We don't want words."

"Why give out power for free?" Halina said.

Triton laughed. "Amusing. So, if I were to agree to an alliance, what would that entail?"

"Shared.....everything," I said, almost too boldly. "We use our combined strength, and we stop the Witch. I'll give you more information. Whatever you wish. So on and so forth. But I request to sit at the big kids table. Right next to you, in fact."

Kol spat. "You want to be one of his leaders?"

"Sure. However you want to put it."

"No." Triton stood, chair screeching along the floor. "I don't agree to your terms. This meeting is over. Your services will not be required."

I sighed, lifted up my duffle bag, and winked at Ursula and Halina. "Alright. You twisted my arm. I've got one more thing to offer."

********

Triton. The legendary, hated rebel. He sat a mere few feet away from me, with the presence of a demigod. And here he was, negotiating with Ditto, a man who I feared above all others. Talking about war, a corrupted Pillar, and the rights to leadership.

The Sleeping Witch. A fairy tale, told and known everywhere. About the folly of trying to become immortal. What was the exact story? A witch who tried to claim immortality and the conquering of the world. Defeated in a single battle, with the combined efforts of the necromancers and magi. Destroyed, the Layers were safe once again.

From the sound of the conversation, they were claiming she is real, and has waged war with the world. Is that why the former general rebels? I can't believe it. People are dying because of a bedtime story?

Ridiculous.

And now here I am, apart of the conversation, not wanting to speak but am finding this far to.....I don't even know. So much was going on. Necromancer weapons? The thought had me scared. The ancient forces of the death raisers were known to level cities. And he wants to use them?

I fought the urge to puke.

What made everything worse was the fact the mind magi was probing us, testing the waters for weakness. To see if we were lying at in any way. I gave nothing, because it's easy to not want feelings.

"Alright. Yout twisted my arm. I've got one more thing to offer."

Ditto also stood, near the same height as Triton, and tossed his duffle bag on the table. He unzipped it, and removed a sword.

We gasped. Everyone in the room, including the guards. Everyone was on their feet, almost in shock of what Ditto had produced.

"I present Grand, the Shining. Better known as The Brightest Day, Sword of Magi Champions." Ditto smiled, giving off the feeling of pride. He hoisted it up some more. "The greatest weapon to be created by the Magi."

The Brightest Day. I soaked it in. A four foot blade, double-edged, with swirling gold etches up and down the steel. The hilt was golden, curved, and about a foot long. Along it was some ancient language I couldn't read. The handle was wrapped in blue and gold stained leather, coming down to a multi-plated gold pommel, with a shining golden ball set between two prongs. It radiated Light, almost like a dying sun.

"Meet my conditions Triton, and the sword is yours. The most recognized, second most beloved, symbol of your kind."

Triton, with eyes wide, reached out with a trembling hand. Ditto pulled back. "Not yet."

"How--how do you have this?" His brows furrowed, and I saw Kol come to the same conclusion. "The Brightest Day was stolen a near decade ago. By a demon they said."

"I remember. They said a demon raided the Museum of Kings. Burned it to the ground. Everything was safe, because of the fire protocols." Kol rubbed his arm. Then went on. "Nothing was stolen except the sword. I can't believe it......"

"Thief!" Grandy shouted, magic sparking to life. "You stole from us! You filthy, dirty, damned--"

"Silent!" Triton commanded. The girl got quiet, and looked away, face turning red. Triton got close to Ditto. "You are the one who's had it this entire time?"

"What? No. I killed the demon who stole it, and kept it for myself," Ditto said. He smiled, amongst all the hatred. "Now, now, everyone calm down. I have no need for explanations. Because I'm returning the Brightest Day, to bring it to someone worthy of being it's champion."

A champion? A magi champion? One of those hasn't existed for thousands of years. Not since the fall of the necromancers. I wondered if Ditto was telling the truth. No, his words are as flexible as rubber. I'm sure the truth is in there somewhere. Hidden deep beneath lies and darkness.

"What are you saying?" Triton asked. "You are offering me the sword?"

"Yes. I--I said that already." He made an 'unclear' motion. "I did say that right?"

"I heard it," Halina said.

"Good. So Triton, now you have a choice to make."

The man tensed up, as though he'd been stung by a bee. I watched Kol, saw his emotionless frown. Something wasn't right. What do you need a sword so dangerous for? Or so powerful, when only a magi can use it? How did he find the demon thief?

I'll ask later.

"Listen. I'm sure you all know the legends. The sword glows when it chooses a champion. And reveals what's written on the hilt." Ditto, however, seemed to be keeping the sword away from his back. Away from Ever Heart. Strange. "You'll also be gifted with powers. Strength. Probably. Who knows. A deal Triton. Have we found one?"

Triton licked his lips. Oh no. "I don't know. Because we fight for good, for peace and freedom. Why do you fight, Ditto?"

"Those things of course."

To easily said.

"Really? People have died because of the Witch." Triton stepped forward, so eagerly and forceful. His eyes steamed. "We have killed people. Tell me, how many people have died because of you?"

"Um, since this whole Witch debacle started, or just in general?"

What? That doesn't seem like a good question to ask.

Triton and the other magi eyed each other, confused. Apparently they weren't ready for the options. Shrugging, Triton said, "In general."

"Oh. Then a lot."

I saw mixed reactions. Was the truth enough here to send them over? Into a murky abyss where no return was possible. This fool named Triton, he was being played. I could see with clearly, but found no voice to say it. Who would let the last do anything they wanted?

"Fine. I accept, Necromancer." Triton stuck out his hand. Ditto hesitated, then shook it once more. Standing apart, Ditto ran a finger down an edge, then handed over the Brightest Day.

The rebel leader graciously took the sword, a smile on his face. To which then the sword began to glow brighter, at the point where I was shielding my eyes.

"Triton, I think the sword.......has picked you," said the mind mage. "Picked you to be it's champion."

The guards near dropped their weapons. Kol looked stunned. Grandy cheered, then said, "Of course! It makes sense he's worthy, for he gave up everything to stop an evil. The Brightest Day doesn't just waste it's choices. What does it say? The hilt? The words?"

Now I found interest. True, I'm no expert in the ancient histories. The Brightest Day is a weapons whose legends involve epic battles and countless dead. But, in all the stories, none know what the word says. I found my hands trembling. Here, in this small room, filled with small people, I was witnessing history not done in tens of thousands of years.

"In The Name Of Justice," Triton said, after staring at the hilt. I sucked in breath. Words the magi have found giving worth to. If Kam was real, she was pissing all over this day. "Necromancer, let's settle the details on a later date. But you are now sitting at my table. I'll call upon your resources when needed."

Ditto cracked his neck. "Cool. And for the last time in Hidden memory, the Necromancers have forged an alliance with the Magi. Have you ever seen death so happy before?"

XXXX

We were once again walking down the streets. Halina and myself. Triton had asked for Ursula to remain, probably because he saw my bullshit a mile away. No matter. I did my job. The pieces have been moved, the players have met, and I've seen the rebel enough to know what I'm dealing with.

Once we were far enough away, Halina said, "You're such a bad liar. What really happened to get that sword?"

"Perceptive. No, I'm the actual one to have stolen it." The city was quiet, the Swirling glowing in a deep purple. The souls of magi stir angrily. "I burned the museum to the ground."

"Why?"

"You see, young Halina, when I was twenty, I turned myself into a demon," I said, sending out ghosts to make sure no spies were around. They saw nothing. "And I needed to test my powers. So I ransacked the museum and stole what I thought most worth my time."

"Why the Brightest Day though?"

I shrugged. "I thought one day the magi would tire of me. The Pillar would sit down, say 'time to kill him' and send to my doorsteps an army. I thought the sword might be used for negotiations. To, you know, not die."

Halina laughed. It echoed, reminding me of the cities' distrust of night. Even when they have an eternal night light, they're afraid. Children, the whole lot.

"But how were you so strong to take their most prized possession?"

"Easy. By reminding the dark who I am, and what I know." Biting my tongue, we passed a temple of Kam. The goddess who answered the prayers of these fools. I once attended a mass. Not like the Earth religions, the High Four Lines were interesting, in both appeal and structure. Very much based on actions and morals, more than trying to appease a god and get to somewhere nice in death. Approval is more like a second mission. Colors and staying in order were the way of Kam. The goddess hates insubordience. "Being able to mask my other side made much of that night possible. Yet, taking the Brightest Day showed me another thing; truth is easy find, while hard to understand. And for the gods watching me now, they cry, knowing I solved their riddles."

The ghost moaned silently in my ears. The King of Ghosts, what a dumb title. There's no bowing in death. None who are willing, anyways.

"I admire you Ditto. Your plans are...easy to see if one looks closely."

"Exposed. So, what have you seen so far?"

Halina gave me a push, and I pretended to move. "Well, you brought and gave the sword not only as a way to twist Triton's hand, but to also give his followers and other potential followers a reason to join him."

"The magi love leaders," I said. "They need a strong leader. Someone who they can easily trust."

"But you faked the glowing?"

"Tonight was a risk, Halina. The risk being: is Triton an idiot? The answer was no." Lord, even though I'm not religious - in fact, I find the idea of praying stupid - I was praying so hard. It killed me, but well worth it. "He had a choice to make. Either believe he was chosen, and just couldn't see the words, or knew what happened was faked, but the opportunity was too great to give up. Either way he made up some bullshit, and convinced everyone else."

"And now it's just a game of 'who breaks first', to see who can play the lie the longest." Halina clicked her fingernails together. "If one of you cracks, what happens?"

"Beats me. We'll just play it out."

"Then what does the sword say?"

"How should I know?" I said. The truth. "Probably something dumb. Now, let's go. We've war to wage, and there's so much to do."

"Please, you're embarrassing me."

I took a small step. And another. "Fair. Wear a mask then dear."

********

"Thank you for staying," Triton said to me. I clutched my arm rests, not wanting to be here. A sinking feeling was rising in my gut, as if my innards wanted to explode. It didn't sit right, like a rock was going to come out of me. Why me? Why not the others? Triton went on. "I've asked you to stay because I wanted to speak with a magi who appears to be close with the.....Necromancer."

I nodded. And felt the pressure of every single eye. "Yes. I suppose one can say that."

"Curious, how do you know him?"

"He is a.....guest at the University of Kal'en," I said. How much should I say? How much do they already know? "He helps me there."

"And you are aiding him in our cause?" the mind magi asked.

"Yes," I responded. Not willingly, but somehow I'm sure I was. "Of course."

"It's obvious I think you're not actually associated with him." Triton walked around the table and got close. He radiated power and leadership. My senses adverted to the air, trying to stay calm. "Which is why I was wondering if you would......assist me."

I swallowed. "How so?"

"I do not trust the Necromancer," Triton said with ease. He lifted his new toy. "I'm sure most don't. It would help me greatly if you could--"

"--spy?"

"Yes, that's the word. His motives are probably far to dangerous to be left unchecked." He glanced at his associate. "Isn't that right Jux?"

"He had an energy I couldn't read, a mind I couldn't touch," she said. "Either from magic or his own will, I'm not sure. Both ideas scare me."

Triton faced me. I saw his muscles tightening. "If you'd be so kind?"

Oh, the implications here. Already spying for one side, and now I'm caught between two more forces. The idea of betrayal and information were so grand, so righteous I shivered. The room looked upon me with haste.

Did I not just insult Triton's efforts to my friends? The foolishness. I tugged at my clothes, for they started feeling tight for once. Become a rebel? Against a fairy tale and a corrupted Pillar? Am I not a professor? I teach, I lecture, I don't fight or make machinations or scheme. Yet, Ditto finds their efforts real and worth noting. And I am studying him.

Oh no, my will is being dictated by the Man Who Dies for Fun, and he's not even here.

I examined Triton. He was big, probably bigger than most. Packed with muscle, packed with raw power. And did Ditto fear this man? No. Which means more manipulation. What would flowers do?

Click. Click.

Honestly, is there even a choice? "Fine. I'll report to you."