A World With/Out Home

Chapter 37: The duet of a coward. (Part 1)

"Tch," Lillia spat. "If we tried to kill you this world would collapse as well."

"Not quite," Kalvara smiled softly. "It would last a while longer. I couldn't let my sudden demise affect the people. I was quite prepared for Estile to end my life when we met yesterday."

Kyle frowned, "And from that I would have been bound to save those left behind?"

"Well that was a possible outcome," Kalvara admitted. "Though I prefer our current situation more. Lillia and Estile aside, who may you two be?"

Maila who sat next to Valandus didn't lose her composure, "Maila, caretaker of the Garden and recently appointed Champion of the Church. I as well grew up with stories about you and the other Archdevils. I hope you change my opinion of your kind."

Finally it was Valandus last, "Uhh, you can call me Valandus, I am here in place of 1st Officer Pelmont who was unable to attend. I'm in contention for promotion at the moment so I'm here to take notes and report to the Hero's Guard."

"Val" Maila sent a glare his way.

"S-sorry," the driver back peddled. "I'm just not sure how to act in front of Heroes and an Archdevil who's committed genocide.

"Val!" the pressure in Maila's gaze swelled.

"Ah I mean I'm also here because I know the most about how the Sky Fortress functions."

"Do not be sorry, I appreciate the honesty." Kalvara looked at the two curiously, "Though if I may be so rude to ask, is there something between the two of you? The way you two are seated and the swirl of emotions I can feel is quite intriguing."

"N-No!" Maila shut it down a little too quickly.

Before Kalvara could make another quip, Kyle cut in, "I'd appreciate if you didn't tease our side. We have a lot to discuss."

"Exactly," Arvel folded his arms, "So shall we hear it?"

"Hear what?" Kalvara took a sip of the tea that had been prepared on the table.

"Your conditions for assistance. I find it hard to believe that you don't want anything else other than integration."

The Archdevil sighed, "Your distrust is clear Arvel and fair considering what I have done to you in the past. One thing I have prided myself on however is to never lie. Yes, I could ask for more, however there is little need to at this point. I have spent the better part of 400 years like I am now. Though I have lived for thousands, my memories have been filled with only those relatively recent. I truly do not wish for more."

"Then what about in the future?" Arvel didn't let up. "Once you are free from maintaining this world, could you really say you won't revert to who you once were?"

"That...," Kalvara couldn't answer.

Kyle however spoke for him, "It's okay Arvel. We can't see the future, but that's also why we're here. If Kalvara chooses the wrong path, I'll be the first to put an end to it."

"Thank you Estile," Kalvara spoke tenderly.

"Don't thank me," Kyle's reply however was blunt.

*

An entire week passed and with it another incursion was settled. Though the demons had come in greater number and strength, Riften alone took care of it with the help of the Hero's Guard and the reinforcements from the other states. The day of departure had come and in the most disadvantage situation. Like Kalvara had said, he could only find them when Philius' plan was already underway. They were marching in to a fight that they might not return from.