After two months from Sameal and Satasha's last encounter, sudden deaths and plague occurred across the world for both humans and the other beings, and news has spread rapidly:
"Enkidu is a mass murderer and is the one responsible for the northern tribe massacre"
"Hearsay!" Gilgamish objected once they brought it up in the central temple, he knew that his friend wouldn't do that.
The fact that Enkidu is the only one to blame was due to the fact that he was sent to further negotiate with the northern tribe leader the morning after the massacre had occurred.
Once he informed everyone else they quickly pinned the blame on him, Ishtar had no other choice but to put him under the temple's watch.
Gilgamish thought that this was another trick of hers so she could control him and make him do her bidding. A wedge was placed between the members of the central temple, those who opposed the allegations and those who supported it, soon the foundation was visibly shaken to everyone else, many of the girls were sent away for their protection only Untat and Aiva remained by Ishtar's side.
Enkidu firmly believed in his innocence and knew that Ishtar was on their side, he kept telling his friend not to quickly blame her and keep their composure.
Then the biggest strike had fell on the temple.
Enkidu had fallen ill with an unknown disease, soon this disease broke out affecting the common folks, they came to Ishtar for treatment and began making human sacrifices to ward it off.
Ishtar's reputation was deteriorating, once the loved goddess became a fallen idol, as the number of her followers were reduced her powers began to fade away. The chancellors began the search for a replacement, Ishtar fell into despair she didn't know how to protect her folks if she was dethroned.
Then it occurred to her
'Satasha can be the best candidate'
Yet again, Satasha was no where to be found.
After two months from the day that Enkidu knew about the massacre, Babylon was now a ghost city where the poor and the sick only remained there.
As for the other places the horror was not far less than that in Babylon.
Villages were destroyed, civilians started to drop dead, humans had an unknown disease that affected their lungs and stomach; once infected the person would count ten days before dying from the disease complications.
Panic spread like a wildfire, everyone began fighting amongst themselves, the rich hid their wealth and fled to another countries while famine took over the poor.
A degeneration in morale and communities happened quickly.
After a year from the northern tribe massacre the world system had weakened and new forces started to emerge. A group of loyalists began preaching of the arrival of the promised emperor that will bring peace and prosperity to the world, many names were elected as the chosen emperor amongst them were Keno. A risen star that the old system failed to suppress, the Eastern, Southern, and Central regions approved for his succession; the other fractions didn't.
Keno now has more enemies than he did before as he rose in power, his name had echoed everywhere even among the humans, all of that was thanks to the northern tribe massacre; even after a year no one knew who the culprit was, no one except Zeta.
Zeta pinned the increasing disaster on Sameal's awakening shifting the attention off Satasha's disappearance, even he didn't know where she was.
...
[On a sunny summer day]
The usual morning court was in session in the eastern palace.
The current king; Keno's uncle, was listening to the report of the minister of revenue along with Keno, Fuji on his left, and his advisors on his right when a loud bang came from outside of the court.
The imperial soldiers were flying left and right as they were fighting an unknown threat.
Keno and Fuji exchanged looks as they saw that everyone's confusion were genuine, none knew who and what was attacking them.
The king thought that this was Keno's doing so he ordered him to go and investigate, but before he walked away the gathering suddenly gasped as they looked toward the king.
When Keno turned his head he was taken back by the sight of the king being pinned to his chair not moving due to a rope of crimson mist surrounded his body, and the one holding the leash was none other than Satasha.
The shadow guards came quickly to their kings aid but by using her power everyone in the courtroom except Keno were forcibly kneeling.
"What is the meaning of this? Why did you exclude me?" he asked
Satasha not bothering to look at him, she grabbed the king's arm and cut it as she answered "I just need few drops of his blood then I'd be gone" after collecting it in a flask she finally glared at him saying "And yours as well" she threw a small knife to him.
He caught it stating "This is absurd! Why would I give you any"
Satasha "You do realize that I'll take it by force if I must"
Keno seizing the opportunity at hand "I'll accept under one term"
Satasha answering immediately before he state his terms "I won't kill anyone nor free them, your terms won't affect the outcome! I'll take your blood either way"
Keno tried his best not to laugh, she was cooperating as he wanted her to without planning beforehand "Then by force it is" he spoke with unshakable determination.
Satasha scoffed, she waved her hand and two ministers screamed agonized before dying. She was going off the script that he had thought off but didn't object, the two ministers that had fallen to their deaths were corrupt, she spared him time and effort.
"The longer you resist the faster they die" she threatened
"Don't fall for her scheme my lord! I'll gladly die for the imperial family" one of the minister's cried
"As you wish!" she waved her hand and five more died
"Stop it!" he submitted "I'll give you whatever you want! Just let them go!" he cut the palm of his hand, she threw another flask to him and he filled it with his blood once he caught it, after he handed it back to her she vanished.
The court destabilized and an uproar to condemn this Incident with the central temple were emphasized many times. What was supposed to be a three hour court meeting was reduced to an hour due to the incident, the king left to treat his injuries early and the court was dismissed.
Keno left the palace to his residence, during the journey he kept staring at the cut in his hand pondering, when he arrived to the estate his hand man rushed immediately to tell his master the news.
Haru "My lord I beseech you to turn back, we're being under attack by an unknown hooded figure"
Keno sighed "Tell the men to withdraw, we don't need to start a commission! I am already being tailed"
Haru concerned "My lord"
Keno stepped out of the carriage "Do as I say"
Haru rushed before him to the residence, Keno followed slow pacing trying to give them time to make everything seems ordinary. Once he reached the garden he saw his men surrounding his room preplexed, they greeted him as he passed them to get to his room, Haru following him.
Satasha was sitting on his chair looking at his documents "I didn't know your residence is the furthest one from the palace! Are you inviting the assassins to kill you or what?"
Keno grinned, he ordered Haru to wait for him outside, Haru reluctantly did as he was ordered. Keno poured a cup of tea to himself saying "What's with the theatrics? Did you lose a bet or something?"
Satasha scoffed "Not entirely! There's a place I want to go but it needs the true dragons blood"
Keno interrupted "And I assume it was highly necessary to cause a scene while it could be done quietly like now perhaps!"
Satasha walked toward him "Where's the fun in that? Besides, I was helping you getting rid of those ministers, wasn't I?"
Keno arched his brows "Are you spying on me now? How did you know that? I haven't told anyone about it yet!"
Satasha smirked as she patted him shoulder "I just happened to eavesdrop on you the right time! I thought you had already done it but to my surprise they were alive and well"
Keno annoyed "I wanted them imprisoned for their crimes, not dead! imprisoned!"
Satasha frowned "I think my plan is better"
Keno pushed her hand away "And where were you? You disappeared for a whole year! Even my birds couldn't get a glimpse of you"
Satasha strolled in his room searching "I was busy with family matters"
Keno confused "I didn't hear any disturbances lately other that the usual"
Satasha "If you knew about it then it wouldn't worth the secrecy! I want to discuss something with you"
Keno sitting on his chair while sipping from the tea "Are you asking for more blood?"
Satasha glaring at him "I want to find the first dragon's coffin"
Keno chocked on his tea "What?"
Satasha leaned toward the desk closing the distance "I have this weird theory that I want to investigate"
Keno agitated "You do realize that it's forbidden to enter that place"
Satasha mocking "As if it would stop me!"
Keno pondering "Tell me what are you thinking first, then we'll see what I can do"
Satasha excitedly approached him and sat on the desk edge near his chair "So here was I wondering around as I have always did when a thought had occurred to me"
Keno was humoring her as he nodded.
Satasha noticed his attitude and grabbed him by the collar "Listen here well bitch! I am trying to give you the best opportunity you'll ever dream of so drop the attitude"
Keno was taken back by the change of character in such short notice, he tapped her hand saying "I didn't do anything"
Satasha let go annoyed "You ruined the mood" she sighed "Alright I'll get straight to the point without telling you how or when I found out"
Keno edging "Please do"
Satasha sighed and leaned reluctantly to whisper it to him "I found out that your father sealed your powers away and hid it in that coffin!"
Keno conflicted "Pardon?!"
Satasha continued "I am about to find out if I can break the seal with your blood"
Keno interrupted "I thought you couldn't enter the place"
Satasha clarified "You assumed that! I have entered thus I knew it needed your blood"
"Then why you took my uncle's?" he inquired
"Theatrics!" she stated as she grinned brightly
Keno didn't expect much "What would you gain from this?"
"From what?"
"Helping me out? Why are you suddenly generous?"
Satasha got off the desk and strolled again "You want your powers back and I want something different from that place, it can't be obtained without breaking the seal first"
Keno interested "What is it?"
"You won't need it anyway, it kinda belongs to my family" she vaguely answered
"Sounds important!"
"Indeed"
Keno pat the chair arms as he announced "I'll go with you"
Satasha dropped the vase next to her due to surprise while she was scanning it "Huh?" she was baffled "You what now?"
Keno "I'll tell Fuji to tag along"
Satasha "Hey! Stop there mister! I won't let you go there not with me, not alone, and definitely not with Fuji!"
"Why?" he asked
"If you go there you'll be trapped along with your powers, even I can't undo it" she reasoned
Keno didn't want to lose the chance to get his powers back, if what she said was true then it would compromise everything he had ever did to get to his goal, yet he didn't trust her fully. Him and Fuji should be enough to fight her for it if she ever decided to double cross them.
He glared at her through his lashes determined "We go together or don't go at all"
Satasha disapproved "You are going to put yourself in an unnecessary danger! I know that you don't trust me, you can let Fuji tag along but not you"
Keno fixed his gaze on her, more determined than before, Satasha had no other choice but to agree, she sighed "Your funeral" as she walked away
Before she got to the door Keno called "Haru, show her to our guest room and summon Fuji"
Haru who was blocking the door entrance stared through his nose at her trying to analyze the mysterious guest that would remain in the residence. She was few inches shorter than him, her eyes were hidden beneath her brows revealing only it's grey hue as they glared predatorily at him, her innocent demeanor didn't match her fierce gaze. If one didn't knew what she is capable of, he'd be fooled by her.
As he led her to the guest room he noticed that she kept turning left and right scanning her surroundings, he knew that she's up to something vile. She first tested the security by appearing in the middle of the guardian, then fought with the guards to test their strength, and now she's mapping the place. If she wasn't his lord's guest, he'd finish her where she stood, yet he didn't want his lord to be in difficult situations with the central temple because of this, he only need to keep an eye on her.
After he left her in the guest room he ordered four men to watch her and report back if she did something suspicious. Little did he knew that once she made sure that he was away she transmitted to the cave to test the validity of the blood.
As she suspected it didn't work.
"Well I duped him to tag along! You can wait a bit longer till I free you brother"
She spoke with what seemed a giant petrified snake encircled on it self, it was none other than her older brother Jörmungandr; the colossal serpent that was slain by Thor Odin son. She placed her hand on the barrier trying to break it again but was hit with back lashes injuring her arm, she transmitted back to the room and used her power to fill the tub.
She pondered at the ceiling as she was immersed in the water healing her wounds.
She heard woman knocking on the door "My lady I have brought some clothing for you, can I come in"
Satasha "Come in and place them on the bed"
The maid did as instructed then added "My lord is inviting you for dinner after two hours, do you need me to assist you with anything"
Satasha took a minute to think before replying "I might need your assistance with how to wear these clothing properly after I finish the bath"
The maid "Then I'll wait outside" she closed the door behind her
Satasha mumbled "I bet he saw through my plan from the beginning"
Then she got up and wore the towel that was hung near the tub, she walked barefooted to the bed touching the fabric of the clothes. She scoffed "Did you prepare them to fit me?"
After she wore the undergarments she called for the maid to help her with the rest, there were five pieces to wear one on top the other till it reached the cape, the maid told her that this is their traditional clothing and is called many things according to the region. It took her ten minutes to wear all the pieces, the maid bragged stating that she's the fastest one to dress the ladies of this house.
Satasha had completely forgotten that he has many concubines, so she asked "Will all of them attend the dinner?"
The maid "I was told that only our mistress would attend along with our lord and lord Fuji"
"Your mistress?"
"Yes the legitiment wife of our lord, lady Yuru"
"Is she the head of this house?"
"Yes she manages everything in this house along with our master business and her family business"
"What a formidable woman!"
"Indeed! I aspire to be like her"
Satasha smiled faintly.
"Do you want me to help you with your hair as well?"
Satasha gently "Yes please!"
The maid seemed to enjoy doing her hair, she babbled about how she's the eldest daughter of an extremely poor family and how her life changed when she started working under Keno's, her family now has a house and enough food for them not to starve again.
Satasha listened as she continued praising her masters thinking about how Sameal used Keno's savior complex to gain his trust back in Byblos.
He indeed acts like the knight that will save the world by acting all righteous and just, that's how he build his empire, by taking advantage of people's desperation.
After two hours the maid guided her to the main hall where everyone sat on a small round table with Keno in its head.
Keno's eyes glimmered once he saw Satasha wearing the dress that he prepared for her, like it exactly as he imagined her would look in it, the spark in his eyes went unnoticed as Yuru praised her beauty and Fuji second it.
She sat opposite Keno with two seats empty beside her as if she was interrogated by them.
Satasha curiously stared at Yuru to meet the one that was praised by the maid, she addressed her "So you're the lady of the house, it's pleaser to meet you, your staff is quite fond of you, I heard that you are handling many businesses at once, it seems quite tiring!"
"Not at all! If you do something that you like then every sweat and tears are the sweetest once your efforts pays off" she replied
Satasha smiled softly as she took sip from the soup. The maid wasn't wrong, she's someone that make people admire her, her presence, confidence, and calm beauty makes her the center of interest.
"I apologize if what I am about to say might offend you but on what grounds does your assumption stand? I don't think that taking my lord with you would do any help, he's needed now more than ever"
Satasha shrugged as she pointed at Keno "Please do tell him that! He might listen to you"
Fuji rubbed his temple "You said that she needed your help to break the seal"
Yuru objecting "You absolutely cannot leave now! If the king knew about your absence he'd think that today's attack was staged by you! Please my lord seek reason!"
Keno didn't answer, he kept his gaze fixated at her, she stared back with a faint smirk, Yuru looked back and forth at them trying to figure out what was going on.
Fuji sighed and began eating, he reached for the meat and placed few slices in Satasha's plate, Keno ate in silence avoiding Yuru's gaze, while Yuru was baffled by his poor judgment. She didn't trust Satasha in the slightest from the last meeting that they had at the brothel, the reports finalized her judgment on Satasha "Not to be trifled with" she ordered everyone, she didn't understand the obsession about her until now.
Yuru caught the glimpses that Keno took every now and then to feast his eyes with her beauty.
'If beauty could kill' she thought
After the dinner...
Satasha went back to the guest room to rest, after she took off the robe Keno barged in without knocking, he silently closed the door behind him after dismissing the guards.
Without turning around or stopping to get dressed she mocked "Even if this is your house you should knock before entering a lady's room!"
Keno indifferent "I don't think you're the right person to lecture me about etiquette, all you ever do is barge in people's rooms unannounced"
Satasha glared unamused at him "So this is the taste of my own medicine or something?"
Keno "Or something!" he sat at the small table placed in the middle of the room, he poured water to both of them.
Satasha knew that he wanted to discuss something so she sat next to him waiting.
Keno asked after a minute of pondering "So! I guess the blood didn't work"
"No"
"Then my presence is needed, isn't that what you wanted?"
Satasha smirked, he indeed saw through her plan as she speculated, smart as ever. She didn't answer and Keno didn't need her to.
Keno asked "Is the northern tribe massacre your doing?"
"Would it matter if it was?" she glared through her brows
"It would matter! I was about to start a partnership with the northern temple before you ruined my plan! Now I need to think of another way"
"That seems like a you problem" she drank the water glaring coldly at him
Keno scoffed "Is there another tribe you want to massacre next? Give me a heads up so I can know what to do"
Satasha truthfully "No, not for now at least"
Keno stared at her through his lashes trying to read through her as he asked "Have you heard about what happened to Enkidu?"
Satasha knew what he was trying to ask, she chuckled as she shook her head in disappointment "Don't beat around the bush! Ask directly"
Keno leaned forward "I still need Ishtar! Don't think about doing anything to her" his tone was threatening
Satasha leaned closer to him to the point that few inches separated their faces, her expression remained unchanged as her eyes glared menacingly at him, then the corner of her mouth curled up as she said "I don't bite the hand that feeds me my lord! I suggest you threaten the real perpetrators"
Keno could barely suppress his excitement, he scoffed as he enjoyed this moment, he felt it finally, that person in front of his is his greatest foe and most reliable ally.
He sustained his sharp gaze at her as he spoke "I'll trust you for now! At least till we get my power back"
Satasha sat back "That's the wisest thing to do"
"For now"
"I don't want to harm you Keno, not now, not ever!" she stated
"Why?"
"You're valuable to me, more than you think you are"
Keno grinned as he teased "Do I detect a hint of affection?"
Satasha looked at him with a malice intent "You're right again"
"Liar!" he mumbled as he sat back "We'll depart after a week, stay here till then"
"A week?" she objected "That's lot of time wasted! Sameal would be a head of me by then"
Keno firmly "Since my presence is needed all you could do is wait"
"Or I could knock you out and take you there by force"
"I advise you not to do that! You'll be more suspicious than ever"
"Like I care about that!"
"I do! I care about your well-being, you're valuable to me more than you think!" he imitated how she speaks as he said it.
Satasha was caught off guard, she froze for a minute before brust out laughing, she continued laughing for few minutes wiping her tears away merrily " You really nailed it" she praised.
Keno laughed as well, but his gaze was fixated at her as she laughed, he had missed their interactions, it had been a while since he heard her laugh like that and it sparked something in him. He smiled faintly as he kept feeling something strange happening inside of him, that sense of ease made him anxious.
"Well then, get some rest" he got up "I really hope that you stay here till next week" his eyes gleamed.
Satasha couldn't grasp the sudden change in his demeanor, she brushed it off by smiling.
After Keno left Satasha changed her clothes then transmitted, her mind was still analyzing Keno's last look, she didn't know what it meant, nor did he.
...
After a week Satasha came back to Keno's residence, she transmitted to the garden just like she did before, Haru felt offended by her sudden appearance as if this place belongs to her.
"My lord is attending a meeting with the king, he'll be back soon"
Satasha nodded, she walked past him to the main hall waiting for him as she sat "Fuji?"
Haru "Will arrive soon" he stood there glaring at her with disgust
Satasha took no interest in his one sided hatred, she ate from the fruit plate that was placed on the table next to her, her mind was elsewhere.
After two hours Keno arrived, he smiled brightly once he saw her sitting there waiting for him, he went to greet her.
"You broke my heart when you left"
"I had other things to do"
"Things more important than me?" he mocked
Satasha was in no mood for jokes, she stared coldly.
Keno sensed something is wrong, he signed for Haru to leave before he sat down at the chair next to her "What happened?" he began to worry
Satasha pondered as she looked at him, to tell him or not, her lips parted as her eyes reddened.
Keno immediately held her hand to check on her vitals, he was more worried as he found out that there's nothing wrong with her.
" What happened?" he repeated
Satasha was about to speak but was cut off by Fuji's arrival, she pulled her hand away stating "We set off in the night, get some rest till then and prepare the essentials, we'll travel on land"
Keno was restless, he grabbed her arm before she vanishs asking "Tell me what happened?" his tone sounded more commanding
Fuji was distraught but the tension, he didn't know what he walked into.
Satasha took a deep breath before answering "Sameal has killed Osiris!"
Keno let her arm go, he was confused "Why?" he asked
Satasha didn't answer, she vanished.
Fuji felt anxious "Is it safe to travel now?"
Keno restless "We need all power we can obtain now more than ever"
Fuji dread the outcome "Can we trust her?"
Keno as much he hated to admit it, he answered "No!"
After night fall Keno set off with Fuji and Haru to the capital's border, there Satasha waited for them on a horse.
"Will he tag along?" pointing at Haru
"Yes" Keno answered
Satasha didn't comment, she led the way riding away from them so she can cast her protection shield in a wider range as they rode to the north. She also didn't want to chatter with them, she could sense their displeasure and resentment.
The destination is three days away if they kept their slow pace, for Satasha the slower the better, it allows her to foresee the outcome of Osiris's death on the masses, and stalling Keno from having his powers immediately, also if she transmits them to the cave, she'll be detected right away by Sameal.
Keno guessed the reasons and got along with her plan.
They rode for a day and half before stopping, they camped near the yellow river hiding in the forest nearby, during which Satasha sat separately from them.
She and Haru took the first shift to look out, while the others rested. At sunrise they departured, she didn't sleep even after her shift ended nor ate anything. Keno began to worry if she'll be able to continue, but to his surprise she seemed to be in better condition than the rest of them. On the second night she stayed awake while eating a little.
Fuji sat next to her during night's watch
"You should get some sleep" he suggested
"I can't sleep now"
"Why?"
"That's how I operate! If I rest the shield would be weakened"
"Then I'll do one instead"
"I am perfectly fine Fuji! You don't need to worry about me"
Fuji stayed up all night with her.
On the third day they reached the mountain range.
"We'll venture on foot from here" she ordered "Take what you need and follow me"
They tied the horses and followed her, they hiked through the trees and stones for four hours to reach the cave entrance.
Satasha warned "The cave is steep and dark, only torches can be used but don't let them close to the walls or it will explode!" she took the first step in "Stay close to each other and to me" she offered her hand to them and Keno held it while staring at her doubtfully.
Satasha didn't care in the slightest, she lead the way.
The cave tunnels grew narrower as they ventured further, the air felt thick and suffocating, Haru kept coughing every now and then. Keno was wary of her intentions and kept thinking of a way to escape if she decided to attack here, little did he know that she was shielding them from the cave's protective hallucination trap that wards adventurers away.
"How long are we going to walk?" Haru asked as his breaths were getting heavier
"Just for a few minutes" Satasha reassured
After what felt like five hours, they finally reached more spacious part of the cave with five different tunnels other than the one that they took. Haru immediately sat down to catch his breath as the air was lighter here, Satasha let go of Keno's hand stating "Let's rest here for a few minutes"
Fuji asked "Why the rush? Let's eat first!"
Satasha hesitated before agreeing, she left them to rest and stood away guarding them, her eyes was fixated on the third tunnel.
"Come eat!" Fuji invited
Satasha didn't speak she instead drew a sword made of her blood, the other three grabbed their weapons thinking that she was about to attack them.
"Shit!" She cussed as she kept staring at the third tunnel
Keno sensed the ground vibrating "What is that?"
"Shit!" She cussed again
A loud roar echoed loudly.
"What animal makes that sound?" Fuji inquired
"That's not an animal!" Satasha answered "Run!" She cried "Run!"
Satasha immediately held Keno's hand and dragged him to the fourth tunnel, they ran without further questioning, Keno turned to get glimpse of the animal.
It had a lion's hair, long cylinder neck, short wings, and a horns.
Keno knew immediately what animal was it "Shit!" he cussed as well "Why there's a Qi lin in here?"
"What?" Fuji yelled, he looked behind and saw it as well "Holy shit! Out of all creatures!" he cussed their luck.
After realizing what was hunting them they began to run faster.
"How do we fight it?" Haru asked
"Fight?!" Satasha exclaimed "Just pray it won't catch you!"
As they reached for the end of the tunnel Satasha warned "We jump!"
Fuji questioned "Why?"
"Jump" She cried and jumped while holding Keno's hand, he jumped as well.
The bridge that connects the end of tunnels was destroyed and only had small space left to land on. Keno and Satasha barely landed on their feet as they rolled to the other end, Fuji and Haru Jumped as well but Haru lost his footing and fell off the bridge, Satasha immediately held his shirt as it was the first thing she grabbed, Haru held onto her arm as Fuji and Keno pulled them.
"Thank you!" Haru panted once he sat on the bridge's end "Please tell me he can't follow us!" he asked
Satasha huffing "He's the least of our concern"
Fuji panting "What else is in here?"
They heard a loud cry.
"What now?!" Haru complained
"A pheonix" she answered
"Are you serious? Why didn't you warn us about all of this?" Haru objected
"Don't worry I blinded it! As long as we stay quiet it won't attack" she explained
Keno not wanting to waste more time "Let's go" he grabbed her hand and walked forward
The rest followed.
After half an hour Keno asked "How can I break the seal?"
Satasha "Just touch it"
"You're not serious, aren't you?"
"That's how I usually do it"
"Why did I ask?" he mumbled annoyed
After an hour they reached the end of the tunnel, it opened on a massive ecosystem that resides underground.
"This place is ridiculous!" Fuji exclaimed
Satasha led them down through narrow steps, they followed her through the stream and small trees to what seemed a hill to them.
"We are here" she announced
Keno was confused "I don't see anything special"
Satasha guided them around the hill, they halted once they saw that the hill had a serpent head.
"What in darn world is that?" Haru asked
"It can't be, can it?" Fuji asked
"The great serpent" Satasha announced, she hid her sorrow under the mask of her indifference.
Keno glared at her as he deduced that she's after the serpent's power, he whispered "Will it wake up if I break the seal?"
Satasha nodded "I'll take care of the rest"
Keno tightened his grip worried "What use of it to you?"
Satasha truthfully "I want it's power"
Keno was baffled by her answer, he didn't expect her to tell the truth, yet it didn't matter, he walked slowly toward the serpent's head and placed his hand on the barrier that became visible as he stepped closer.
Then a reaction happened, the cave began rumbling and the barrier shone brighter before it crumbled sending Keno back flying.
Fuji and Haru rushed to check on him while Satasha remained stationed.
Keno began convulsing violently before losing consciousness.
"You witch! Undo your deed!" Haru cried as he pointed his sword at her.
Satasha remained unfazed, she made a barrier around them without casting any spell, then held her blood sword preparing for an attack as she watched the serpent's body crumble to dust.
From it a tall man emerged, with his broad shoulders and good physique he appeared taller than he actually is, his eyes were hollowed and his face distorted, he stood there naked for a moment before he launched toward Satasha holding his fist high as he got closer, if Satasha didn't dodge it she would've been smashed just like the ground that received it.
Satasha knew no weapon can cut him so she switched her sword to a whip and dragged him away from them.
Fuji wanted to go and help but he couldn't cross the barrier, he could only watch and pray for her safety.
Satasha on the other hand kept dodging his attacks trying to see his weakness, his core was near his chest but no weak spots, the only way to release his soul is by close range combat.
She didn't hesitate, immediately she punched his arm from above but his reflexes were better than hers, he grabbed her head and threw her away, she landed near the barrier on her back, before she could get up he pounded on her chest hard enough for her to vomit blood, then he kicked her away to the wall.
Fuji cried "Satasha!" terrified by the sight, he started to punch the barrier so he could get out and help her.
Jörmungandr walked slowly toward her, he bent down to deliver his final blow but stopped once she placed her hand on his chest, he felt it, the sense of familiarity, she's the blood of his blood, she's family.
His fist trembled as he saw what he had done to her.
"My sister!" he spoke in the ancient language
Satasha couldn't keep her composure, tears fell from her eyes as her chin quivered.
"You lived" he whispered softly as he lowered his fist, he placed his hand on hers "Forgive me!"
Satasha shook her head "There's nothing to forgive brother!"
Jörmungandr smiled softly asking "What did mother name you?"
"Hel" she answered
Jörmungandr nodded proudly "Take me to Valhalla"
Satasha closed her eyes as she tried hard enough not to sob "You have my word"
He took his last breath as he began turning to a green particules that gathered as an emerald bead in her hand.
The other watched from afar not understanding what just happened, Keno who could slightestly open his eyes saw the whole fight, even with his sight blurred he could sense her sadness from afar.
Satasha's tears went unnoticed from the blood that was dripping from her head, she hid the bead under her skin and wobbled her way to them.
"Satasha!" Fuji grabbed her arm once she lifted the barrier.
She sat near Keno to scan him "His body is rejecting his powers, it would take time for it to achieve unity, until then Keno needs to sleep enough"
Keno who could barely move stared at her bloody face and mumbled "Satasha"
It went unnoticed as she instructed them to hold her shoulders, once they did she transmitted them back to his residence.
His men carried him away to his room, Yuru gasped as she saw her state, Satasha who could barely stand on her feet without Fuju's aid vomited blood again.
"My God! What happened?" Yuru asked
"Summon Gulan! They need help" Fuji instructed, Yuru went immediately to summon Gulan
Satasha leaned on him gasping "I'll visit Keno after a week, until then try to stabilize him"
Fuji objected "You're not going anywhere! Gulan will heal you"
Satasha was barely keeping herself conscious, she wobbled few times before transmitting to Helheim alone, she dragged herself to the fountain and lost consciousness there.
...
After a week Satasha forced herself to wake up, she was worried about his state and wanted to stabilize his powers before accidentally waking up Sameal's power as well, she wore new clothes that she stored in there while ago and gathered few of the fountain's water in a flask before transmitting to Keno's room.
There Yuru was sitting next to his bed trying to make him drink his medicine, she flinched once she saw Satasha standing behind her.
"My lady! How are you feeling?"
Satasha "I am in better state now" she asked as she pointed at Keno "Did he wake up while I was gone?"
Yuru "No, he remained unconscious and his fever is spiking high every now and then, he needs constant observation"
"Can I scan him?"
Yuru reluctantly agreed, she got up clearing a way for her to sit.
Satasha placed her hand on his chest as she felt his core destabilized, she handed Yuru the flask ordering "Prepare a bath of warm water and add this in it"
"What is it?"
"A medium! I am going to preform a very complicated spell that would help him stabilize his core" Satasha explained
Yuru chose to trust her this time, Haru told her that she saved their lives back there and got them back unharmed. She went to prepare the bath with two servants and Haru, Fuji and Gulan arrived as well.
Gulan went immediately to check on Satasha "Your state is far from normal! Are you wure you can do this?" she was worried
"I'll rest after this don't worry" she reassured as she patted her hand.
The servants carefully carried Keno to the tub that was in his room, they kept his undergarments and placed both arms out of the tub. Satasha sat beside the tub on a small chair, she actually didn't need any of these but they were rather theatrics to make herself seem weaker and evade herself from future accusations about tempering his core if he ever found out.
Satasha placed her hand on his core as she used her power to activate the bond that she previously made, Keno winced for a moment then let out a deep breath as the bond and his powers were stabilized by the new dosage of chains that she placed on Sameal's power.
Keno slightly opened his eyes after he felt her presence, during the past week he kept muttering her name but no one could grasp what he was saying, after he saw her face without blood he felt relieved and went back to sleep.
The servants took him back to bed after dressing him up, Keno's state was far better than he was during past week, Gulan checked on him and conformed the diagnosis "He'll be in deep sleep from no on"
Yuru asked "How long will he continue sleeping?"
"Two weeks or more" Satasha answered instead
Yuru overwhelmed "That's absurd! Doesn't it mean that he's in coma?"
"Probably" Gulan answered
"Then what use of all of this if he doesn't wake up afterwards?" Yuru argued
"If I hadn't stabilize his core, he'd probably have died shortly! His body needs to adapt to his new powers and the best way to do it is while he's unconscious, he can connect with his inner self" Satasha explained
Yuru didn't like what she was hearing and she didn't trust Satasha at all, she felt that Satasha had a hidden motif and she is using his unconsciousness to control him.
On the other hand, Satasha's head was buzzing and blood streamed from her nose.
Fuji was first to notice "Satasha your nose!"
Satasha wiped the blood off, her eyesight grew blurry, she didn't waste more time chattering and immediately transmitted back to the fountain where she remained there healing for a month.
...
After a month she woke up feeling rather tired, her body felt weak and her mind foggy.
After contemplating for a while she decided to transmit once to check on Keno then proceed to travel on foot, she needed to visit the eastern temple before going back to Babylon.
She sighed once she saw that Keno was still unconscious after she transmitted to his room, annoyed she rolled her eyes as she sat beside him.
Haru entered the room to give him his medicine and was surprised to see her there
"So you lived!" he mocked
"Unfortunately for you I can't die easily"
"Yes indeed" he placed the medicine on the table "How are you doing now?"
Satasha was baffled, she arched her brows confused "Are you worried about my health?"
Haru "Don't make me regret it"
She chuckled once and short before asking "Did he wake up while I was gone?"
"Not once"
She nodded.
"Do you know how wake him up?"
"As matter of fact, I indeed have a way"
"What is it?" he asked excitedly
"This!" she said after slapping him hard on his face that left her hand print on it.
"Are you mental?" He cried as he strode to push her away.
Before he reached the bed Keno opened his eyes widely gasping "What happened?" he asked immediately, then he felt his cheek tingling "Did someone slap me?"
"It must've been the wind" she grinned
Keno sighed as he sat down trying to get grasp of reality "How long was I out?"
"A month" Haru and Satasha answered in union
Keno frowned as he rubbed his eyes "What excuse did you tell my uncle?"
"That you had caught the plague"
Satasha chuckled "Then you are going to be more famous for being the first one to be healed"
Keno sighed as he scratched his hair "First thing first, I need to eat"
Haru left immediately to notify the kitchen.
Keno stared worriedly at her, he held her hand as he saw disturbances in her core "You're not well! Shall I summon a physician?"
Satasha smiled warmly as she patted his hand "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine in a while"
Keno saw through her lies but didn't say anything, he pulled her closer and embraced her, he remembered the hits that she took from the serpent and it scared him "As long as you're fine"
Satasha patted on his shoulder "Why the sudden affection?"
"I was worried about you the whole time, was obtaining his power necessary?" he tightened his grip as he remembered the blood covering her face.
"I am alright, truly! You don't to worry about me"
He let her go and caressed her hair away from her face trying to check if there's a scar, luckily there wasn't.
"I'll visit you later, I have something to discuss with you"
"Why not now?"
"As you said earlier, first thing we eat then we discuss business"
Keno smirked "Then join me for lunch"
She stood up "Not this time"
"Where are you going?"
"The market" she smiled brightly
"I'll let Hei Xia escort you"
"No need, it's not my first time being here"
They stared at each other silently for a minute before Keno asked "Do you need anything from me then?"
Satasha placed her hand in front of him, he held her hand thinking that she was trying to help him up, she slapped his hand away annoyed "Money! Give me a pouch"
"You should've said so from the beginning! I thought that you wanted to care for me" he argued
"You have many servants to do that! I don't have your tribe's money with me and I don't want to draw attention"
"How much do you need?"
"One pouch is enough"
Keno nodded, when Haru came back he told him to give her money and let one of his men escort her. Haru did as he was ordered, he gave her three gold ingot, two silver ingot, and fifty tassels, then he ordered a man named Bai xi to be her escort.
Satasha left his residence with Bai xi to the market, she strolled around for two hours trying to find something, after that she stopped at a restaurant to eat, as she sat down eating while overhearing conversations of the costumers. They talked about the promised emperor that would unite the world under his rule and the fall of the temples, they began doubting the eastern temple as well because during the time that she was healing in the fountain the western and southern temples had fallen along with the north.
They thought it was a Divine punishment for disturbing the natural order when the fractions decided to fight.
Satasha sighed, she knew the fall of the two temples were orchestrated by Zeta, he is moving faster than Sameal and her. Her plan changed, she strolled again in the market before stopping in front of a flower shop which was named "The flower of east"
Satasha chuckled as she shook her head in disappointment "This really couldn't be more obvious"
Once she entered there she was struck by the scent of the incense that overshadowed the flower scent.
"Excuse me!" she called
"Coming!" a middle aged man replied
He rushed from the back of the shop to her "How can I help you?"
Satasha searching "I am looking for a rare flower"
The shop owner "You've came to the right place! I happen to have few ones shipped from abroad"
Satasha joyfully "Great!" she smiled softly as she asked "Do you have a Maro by any chance?"
The shop owner hesitated for a minute trying to scan her expressions, he then looked at Bai xi who stood not far "Two pots?"
"Just one"
"You do realized that this flower would cost greatly?"
"I have two gold ingots"
The shop owner smiled brightly, he went to get one pot of Maro flower from the back, once he got back he placed it on the counter asking "You do realize that this flower drinks only morning dew from the jade forest?"
"Do I need to spend long time gathering it?"
"No! Only one hour after the dawn breaks would fill up a bowl"
"Splendid!" she gave the two gold ingots then asked "Do you happen to have apple seeds?"
"Yes, how much do you need?"
"One pack is enough"
The owner bent down and got the pack of seeds from the counter below.
Bai xi took the pot from the counter and followed her out, he couldn't help but to ask "What's the significance of this black flower? Isn't two gold ingots too much?"
Satasha placed her hand on his shoulder answering "This my friend is what your master needs at the moment"
"Flowers and apple seeds?"
"Indeed!"
He was confused but didn't bother enough with her, he knew how weird she was from all the rumors and gossip he had heard.
...
In the evening Satasha went to Keno's room, she knocked the door and entered once he told her to.
Keno "Now that's a new sight to behold! Since when you began knocking doors?"
"Since I don't want to use my powers for now" she answered as she sat st the small table in the middle of the room; she didn't close the door behind her, Keno sat next to her.
"So what do you want to discuss" he asked
"I overheard a rumor circulating while ago about you being the promised emperor"
"Indeed, it was suggested that the people want me to take control"
Satasha sighed "Whether you've started this or not you need to be extra careful from now on! Your uncle would be the least of your worries for a while, at least until the situation cool down you'll be having lot of assassination attempts from different fractions trying to cut you off the picture"
Keno nodded "Yeah I know that"
Satasha held his hand "No, you don't! You don't grasp the situation at hand, they already wanted to kill you when you were a child while you imposed no threat to them, but now it's different"
Keno argued "It's not entirely different"
Satasha objected "It is! Do you think Osiris's death was random? The plague and the temples downfall? Soon the east would have many immigrants trying to escape the war and the eastern temple wouldn't help you if you need man power! You know Lu better than I do, he'll try to save the temple even if it meant sacrificing you, and Yama would never engage in war. On the other hand, Tina is trying to seize power from Ishtar by any mean, and Zeta is going to be busy providing weapons and supplies to all fractions that would be involved in the upcoming war. The system has collapsed! It only needs a small spark to start the war, and I don't want you to be that spark!"
Keno caressed her hand and smiled faintly "You know that I'll be dragged in this war one way or the other, even if I don't start the war, the war would happen at my doorstep"
Satasha tightened her grip "Keno!" she spoke softly "You think that the fact that Sameal hadn't announced his return a coincidence? He's toying with you, Zeta, and me! He wants us to be busy with this war and destroy everyone involved! He knows that you can't be kept alive, yet you are still breathing! I helped you get your powers back so you can be prepared for the fight with him. He'll use the moment where you at your weakest and take everything you've ever worked for"
Keno pondered for few minutes, he saw her point and sure enough that thought had crossed his mind before, Sameal is too quiet, he has been quiet for a while now and it frightened him.
"Keno?" she placed her other hand on his cupping it "Keno you need to control your power in short notice, you can't delay it, leave the politics and start gathering an army, whilst that you must find a hidden place to practice controlling your powers without being detected. If any one knew that you got them back, they'll attack the same day! They already fear the power that you hold over the masses, even humans are starting to worship you as a deity, then the news about you healing from the plague will spread faster than the wind. You won't be getting any normal day from now on!"
Keno sighed "What about you? What are your next step?"
"My path is different from yours, I have other matters to attend first before engaging in any war"
"You are going to disappear again?" he interrupted
"Yes"
Keno's demeanor shifted immediately to more hostility as he grabbed her arm saying "Where are you going? Are you going to get yourself killed?"
"Why would you say that?"
Keno was angry "You think that I wouldn't have noticed that your soul is barely evident and your core is fading as well? What is going on with you lately? Ever since Osiris died you have been acting strangely. Now you want to pick a fight with Sameal like that? You're on a suicidal quest"
Satasha opened her mouth trying to argue but knew that no matter what lie she's going to say would be exposed by him.
She lowered her gaze while smiling faintly "I'll find a way to fix that"
"Let me help you" he immediately offered
She patted his hand and stood up, before she could leave Keno pulled her by force and embraced her tightly.
"What are you doing?" she got annoyed
Keno didn't answer, ever since they met she had the same look on her face whenever she shun herself away trying to mask everything with her indifference. It ached him to see her hiding behind that mask all the time, never able to live for herself once. He hated that, he hated the hallow stare she gave him whenever the subject is about her, he hated how she had never trusted him with her true self, and most importantly he hated that he saw himself in her.
His embrace tightened as he thought that this might be the last time they'll be together, or anytime she ever visits feels like it would be the last, like a summer breeze she comes and goes, then one day she'll never return. He nuzzled his face in her hair fearing that she might disappear forever.
"Let go Keno" she patted his back "I am not your going to throw my life away, I have lot of things to do before I die"
"Don't do that!"
"Do what?"
"Lie"
Satasha felt overwhelmed, she sighed after closing her eyes trying to hold back tears. In matter of fact, the moment Satasha knew that in order to free her brother she'll be needing Keno, something deep in her emerged, an unexplained wrath toward him.
She has been masking her true feelings ever since the court incident, the sense of disgust was unshakable every time he touched her.
She opened her eyes staring coldly at the ceiling praying his emotional support stops soon before she do something she might regret later.
Keno felt it again, her suppressing her emotions again, he pulled her away slightly to see her eyes, as he guessed the same cold eyes stared through him. She was absent even though he was cradling her head.
"Why are you always like that?"
"Like what?"
"You've never once trusted me"
"Perhaps because you constantly trying to claim me as your own" She said sarcastically
Keno felt a hint of her anger underneath her cold stare and scoffed "Is that so!"
He grabbed the back of her neck forcefully and pulled her closer to his face.
Satasha immediately tried to push him away but his other hand was already wrapped around her waist pulling her closer
"What are you doing? Let go!"
Keno dropped the gentle act and finally showed his true colors, his eyes fiercely glared at her as he snared "I am claiming you to be mine!"
Satasha was baffled "In your dreams!" she punched him
Keno stepped back while holding her arm tightly.
"I said let go!" she was fuming
Keno pulled her closer again warning "Hate me all you want I am not letting you leave like this!"
"Are you mental? Why would I stay here with you?"
He yelled "Who are you trying to fool here? You can't even use your powers to transmit anymore? Are you planning to travel with no power like this? You can't even make me let go of your arm! How are you going to defend yourself?"
"That's my business! Worry about yourself first, you can't even control your power yet and you think you're in better situation than me? Oh please your the fool here!" she argued
"I am not letting you go no matter how much you argue" he spoke softly "Stay here till you get better then you can do whatever you wanted"
Satasha pushed him away "What is it that you can't fully understand? If I stay here, the fallen would target the dragon tribe next! How do you think Osiris died? Everyone who dares to help me die Keno! He's enjoying making me lose everything"
Keno released her arm after he noticed her eyes were getting redder "Satasha!" he said gently as he cradled her head "You must seek reason! If you don't want to stay here then at least let me find you a physician to help you heal"
Satasha closed her eyes sighing, she knew he'd be persistent and she had no strength to argue more, she held his forearms trying to push him away but he was stronger than she was at the moment, so she resorted to the only thing she could do, give in for now then escape later. She nodded agreeing to his proposal.
He smiled softly as he pulled her closer to hold her, he gently kissed her head as she leaned on his shoulder holding his clothes reluctantly, he could sense it again her warmth, he closed his eyes enjoying his victory when all of sudden he felt her inner force dissiptate, before he could do anything she fell unconscious in his arms.
"Satasha!" he called gently as her body began dropping under its weight.
He held her head tightly so it won't hit the floor as he lowered her unconscious body down.
"Satasha?" he called again as he shook her gently to wake her up.
He wanted to call her again but froze when he saw her nose bleed.
Frantically he checked her core to see what was happening and almost broke down to sense her soul wasn't there.
"Satasha!" he shook her violently trying to wake her up as he noticed neither her heart beating nor she was breathing.
He panicked when he saw no reaction so he yelled "Someone call the physician now!"
Haru dashed to see what was going on "My lord!" he noticed Satasha motionless
Keno ordered "Get the physician! She's not breathing!"
Haru rushed to get one.
"Satasha! Satasha wake up! Why are you like this?" he wiped the blood off her nose "Wake up!"
He carried her to his bed and placed her there waiting for a physician, he tried healing her with his powers but she didn't wake up.
The physician arrived shortly and immediately went to check on her vitals, Keno stood behind him worried "What's wrong with her?"
The physician placed her hand under the blanket as he stated his diagnosis "She was pushed to the point of no return! If she keeps using her powers she'll die"
"What?!" Keno exclaimed
The physician "She needs to rest for lot of time, with a proper medication and lifestyle she might be able to live longer"
Keno's heart sank, he felt responsible for her current state, if it weren't for his desire to obtain his power back none of this would be happening.
"The medication won't be necessary" Satasha stated once she opened her eyes. Keno rushed to her side "How are you feeling?" he softly asked
Satasha lent her head on the hand that was caressing her cheek "I know what is wrong with me and it's not because of what happened there"
Keno frowned "Then you know how to heal yourself?"
Satasha nodded.
"Tell me what can I do for you?"
Satasha held his hand as she smiled gently, she closed her eyes and fell asleep while holding his hand.
Keno dismissed everyone and remained by her side even when her grip loosened, he stayed till dawn watching over her as she slept soundly, then he left her under the maid's care.
Once he was out of sight Satasha sat up on the bed looking rather annoyed by the commission, she knocked the maid out and wore her clothes while placing her under the sheets. Using her powers she disguised as the maid and walked out of the residence under the excuse of buying herbs for the guest, once she was out of their radar, she bought a horse and rode to the jade forest.
It was an hour ride from the Capitol to the forest, there beneath the dense trees she met with the shop owner after going back to her normal self and rode with him to the an unsupervised port gates where she met Mika on the other side of it.
Mika sarcastically "You look terrible!"
Satasha scoffed "So do you"