Gemma hunched over his work desk, reviewing a map of the Dark City. It had always been a strenuous task to plan hunts, update the locations of scattered Awakened targets, and manage his elite troop with the necessary efficiency — especially now so long after the solstice — but today he was falling behind.
In his private room, situated in the eastern section of the castle where the courtyards opened up into a beautiful garden, he worked tirelessly.
People were once again beginning to die faster. Not every hunt, or even every other, but once a week or even twice. Just today five Castle Guards had perished fending off a crazed Beast. While those weren't his personal Hunters, they were men and women that could've contributed to the safety of their stay in the Bright Castle.
Yet, in spite of all that needed doing, he had a disruption.
Hearing the door open without warning, Gemma tilted his head in mild annoyance, then confusion.
It was a rat. Starring at the dirtied heap of trash, his long hair coated in mottled sheets of dirt, his posture slightly hunched, and his lips curled slightly down with displeasure, Gemma felt both pity and suspicion — mostly the latter, though, given the circumstances.
This was a vast square almost entirely encompassed by Gunlaug's Host. No outsiders were allowed here. Hunters and Castle Guards patrolled every corner.
Furthermore, his quarters were in the very center of the district. A large building constructed from the same white stone as the entire Bright Castle rose like a monument of medieval architecture to keep tribute Sleepers at bay.
Which was why it was odd.
Odd that a slum dweller had somehow snuck in.
***
Nico looked around. Gemma's room was much like his own had been. It was decorated with monster trophies, ancient artifacts, and other such collectable trinkets. But, while his only held a meager amount, the Hunter's stash was truly staggering. What appeared to be a bird's beak — a Spire Messenger's — sat pinned to the wall above his opulent bed. It was most likely the one the First Lord's cohort had killed to claim the castle, retrieved from their past residence after their departure and demise.
Maybe one of those members had even stayed here.
Still, it wasn't something Nico hadn't seen before. Gemma was probably the person he'd spent the most time with here in the Bright Castle. While their relationship wasn't exactly close enough to be considered friends, they were decently amicable with each other.
That was why he hadn't bothered to try convincing him before leaving.
He knew that no promise of power would've convinced the man nine months ago, so he decided to defy his expectations first, return from the depths of the crimson labyrinth alone, and then undertake the task.
"Gemma," he said alas, closing the door behind him and leaning against the frame.
Honestly, it was odd he hadn't been thrown out yet. Perhaps the Hunter recognized him?
The man's face twitched. His eyes widened in shock.
"Nico? Is… is that you?"
Closing the door behind him, the teen in question replied:
"Indeed. Were you truly as fooled by the proclamation of my death as everyone else?"
The man opened his mouth, then closed it. He hunched back over his desk and rubbed a hand against his forehead. A couple seconds passed.
"I mean… I guess. Yeah, I was. After the announcement nobody said much regarding the topic. I assumed Harus got you, though I could hardly understand why."
He glanced sideways at him, then back at his desk again as if he'd seen a ghost.
"So, what actually happened?"
Nico shrugged plainly, still inspecting the room.
"I just left to go live in the labyrinth for a while."
This time, instead of shock, Gemma just turned and stared. And stared. And stared some more until he finally shook his head.
"That's quite unbelievable, my friend, but why leave? Why show back up now, covered in dirt like one of the outer settlement?"
Nico's face betrayed no emotion.
This was the moment; it was the delicate part in which he must plant at least a seed of doubt into the Hunter's veteran mind.
When the words flowed out his lips, they were bitter yet enticing, momentary yet final, and he said:
"Because Gunlaug's golden rule will end soon, Gemma. That girl, Changing Star, is more than powerful enough to take him, and I have chosen to enhance her strength with my own. The Bright Lord's armor will peel for everyone to see. But, that is not where it will end. No… with your help, we'll ensure there is no succession war. We will not fight for the 'throne'. We will build the Bright Castle back to a capable state, having each member work towards a goal — a single goal."
He dismissed the blindfold, wiping the smeared black blood from his face.
Piercing blue eyes revealed themselves, reflecting Gemma's own startled features back at him.
"And that is the death of the Crimson Terror, and the conquest of the gateway"
For a moment the world froze. Mist curled patiently at Nico's fingers, just out of sight.
Gemma stared at the figure — what should've been a dirtied, wimpy kid with no future in this hell. He couldn't help but feel… conflicted. Both his own station and Nico's words were at odds. Staring at the facade of weakness he had put on, he couldn't help but feel that.
Yet, he knew better. He had been here for nine years and knew when to recognize a predator.
Nico was a predator. He alone had slain an Awakened Devil as a mere Sleeper. But, still… still…
"How?"
He said the words without much thought. If this still was the same person — the one that had repeatedly pestered him for a better plan in order to save as many human lives as possible, then he would have one.
Nico's brows furrowed. Once again, he had the urge to share his secrets. Gemma was just a man, after all. Being stuck here for so long had both killed his hope and made it the last desperate ember he could cling to.
But… Nico trusted him — enough to make the right decision. So, he didn't mind sharing as much as he could. If it didn't work… Gemma would just be forced to forget by Shaman.
"[Soul Roots]," he finally said, then paused, carefully choosing his words. "With my Aspect I can foster them. With each one, the power of anything I imbue with them is doubled."
He rose a hand, flexing each soul root like a hidden muscle, coaxing them through his chest and arm until they expelled from his open palm much like he had demonstrated with Shaman's mist to Changing Star's cohort. When they passed through his skin and brushed the air, Gemma saw the ethereal tendrils. Translucent and smooth bark, veins of blue light suffused into its structure.
They looked like neurons torn from the carcass of some ancient creature.
"I have three, and to pair with them, a weapon."
His other hand rose. A storm of sparks assembled into one of his Memories, the [Wrathful Crescent].
"It's Ascended."
As he spoke, the dark glaive finally assembled, its blade bleeding crimson moonlight.
"Its power is plenty, and with the crown of the First Lord retrieved by Changing Star, more than enough. When the woman returns and invokes the right of challenge in Athena's stead, Gunlaug's hubris will lead him toward defeat."
Both his Memory and soul roots retreated into his cores.
He took a step forward.
"Which is why I would ask of you this: watch as he falls. When the Bright Lord dies, submit to the new crown, and convince Kido as well. Show that you have chosen your side. I will take care of Tessai."
Gemma's fist clenched, brows furrowed in thought.
"What of Seishan?"
Nico extended a hand, absently saying:
"She has already been taken care of."
The lieutenant looked at the offering in turmoil. It wasn't… there wasn't really any downside to accepting, was there? All he had to do was watch, and whatever the outcome, bow to victor?
Wasn't that too easy?
His eyes locked onto Nico's. Was he ill? His entire body was sickly with pallor.
Something inconspicuous swirled around him. It was mist, too faint to be noticeable, too indistinct to be important. His thoughts drew back to the hand — the opportunity.
'I want to go back home…'
Gemma rose. He met Nico across the room, unclenched his fist, hesitated, and shook it.