I Scored Myself A Mate

Unfortunately, Allias did not have much time to rest and even worse he didn't get to meet with Theseus at all. After his task was completed Theseus had disappeared to deal with a few other things like where they should drop the body and how their last meeting with the rest of the members would be set so everything would go smoothly. So Allias spent a few hours on his bed with Mark rubbing ointment on his back once in a while to try and soothe his pain before he had to appear before them. 

When the time had come he called for the doctor. The elf elf with a pained expression at the brutality of the wounds he wrapped his torso and belly tightly with gauzes to help him keep a good posture and seem like he wasn't in pain. The truth was that he was still being tortured and with every slow step that he took all by himself, Mark safely staying in his room with the excuse of his wounds, he realized that he had returned to a very aggressive lifestyle. 

No matter the pretty castle and fancy clothing. The delicious food and exotic aromas. The overwhelming power and beauty. The dream like scenery and his beloved people. This life was more than that with an underlying darkness that always tried to creep in him. He always found himself struggling to keep his peace of mind, stay in control of himself. A problem he didn't seem to have back then. When he was still alive and well almost a century ago. But then again, during those times he hadn't gone through a kidnapping, a rape, a fire, a whole amnesia and above all death. He had so many things he could be angry, so many excuses as to why he wanted to torture everyone till they pleaded for death but he chose not to do it, wisely or not, he wanted one day to live peacefully with his people smiling like they used to and if he kept that anger and anguish inside him he would never achieve his goal. 

He let out a heave while he stood, staring at the closed door in front of him. He placed his fingertips on the expensive material feeling the cold slip into his veins. Everything had been frozen, for a very long time and Allias couldn't help but wonder how he could melt the ice, not only through the walls and furniture but from everyone's hearts. He needed to be their sun again and fill them with warmth but he didn't feel so pure anymore. He didn't feel like he could do that, with his constant self, filled with fear, hatred and anger he wouldn't be able to make anyone smile, no matter how much he wanted it to. 

"My King, won't you go in?" He heard someone ask him and recognized Dionysus' voice. He took a step to the side for the god to enter but he stood still, looking at him. "You look pale, my lord" 

"Can you blame me?" Allias asked him with a half dead smile and he nodded. "Thank you for your help."

"Well you should thank Suijin not me. He likes you. He says that you look very kind which is rare in our days."

"Oh, I am sorry to disappoint but at the moment I am everything but kind." Allias said his previous thoughts coming back to him. He wished he could be his previous self. Filled with light. 

"You know my lord you are young so let this old man give you an advice. The pain you have inside you is neither good or bad. It's just pain and fear and a blend of everything that's not nice but what you turn it into is up to you and only you. Do you want that pain to become motivation so no one you love gets to experience the same things as you? A drive to protect. Or it could be a sword to punish and take revenge on those who wronged you. The will for justice if you want to call it something but…" Dionysus said with a smile as he raised his index finger and approached him. "…everything comes with a cost. If you protect you don't get revenge and if you get revenge you will not be the same person who wants to protect. It's the two sides of you, of every person in this forsaken planet. Pain is neutral how you wield it defines who you are and who you will be."

Allias blinked a few times and wondered if he was being that obvious, certainly that wasn't his intention but at the same time sitting there in plain sight brooding could give in enough information about his thoughts as it seemed.

"Do not worry. You are not that obvious. Is just that I am good with people's minds. Now to my actual advice. Drink and forget it will make you feel much better. Or you can drink and express yourself. Wine is always a good option." Dionysus said and laughed. "Excuse me if I came off as rude my king...not that I care but oh well, you know etiquette. Shall we go in?"

"Oh, yeah let's go." Allias said shaking slightly his head as he opened the door. Inside the meeting room he could already spot Theseus, Rafael, Achlys and Suijin. As it seemed they were the only two who were late to the party. 

Achlys bowed her head with a very charming smile as Allias took his seat at the top of the table, hoping that his slowed movement would not betray him, or the fact that he denied strictly to place his back at the back of the chair. He didn't even want to think how that would feel. 

"So now that you have gotten your punishment I think we could talk about the matter that we called you here for." Allias said with a very strict expression as he took the papers Theseus had left for him on the table. He took a fast look to double check his information and began talking again not giving the chance to anyone to mention Hara. "There has been an issue with a hunter clan lately. The wolf pack named Whit Fangs and not us slaughtered a lot of their own and now we are positive they will return to seek revenge. They also have the location of the portal and since The Elven Kingdom is at the threshold I want to hurry and be ahead of them. I believe I could talk with one of their leading members, his name is Joe and he is against the hunter's tactics. I want to form a crew and find them." Allias explained. 

"That sounds very interesting my king but unfortunately Hara seems to have returned back home, meaning that a vote is not possible. Maybe you should postpone your mission for the time being until we can schedule a next meeting. Around three to four months." Achlys said cheerfully. 

"This is ridiculous. So you came here to just give one of our guests a beating and reject our formal request because one of you needed to go home? Our request for a voting has already been accepted. Are you abusing your power Achlys for something different?" Theseus asked the demon woman.

"Of course not. What would I gain from this? Is just that I think we need to think about this a bit more…"

"All I see is you trying to stall a procedure all your colleagues have already approved. Rafael let me ask you…do you really think her words is of more value than the rest of you?" Allias asked the angel who only seemed to share a few words. At his provocation he opened his clear eyes, a bit shocked. He didn't believe things seemed like that.

"That's ridiculous. We are all equal at the council we…"

"Yes, we are." Achlys agreed while interrupting him. She seemed to get nervous and her obnoxious smile slowly was fading away. 

"You are but all you do is talk and interrupt them." Theseus commented and Rafael looked at her obviously annoyed.

"As I was saying." The angel continued. "We will vote. This is why we had decided beforehand. And If I am allowed to begin I approve of your plan to form a group. You should do it as soon as possible." He announced and Theseus smiled. They already had one vote to their side. 

"I agree too." Dionysus said "Suijin?" 

"They should do it."

"Now Achlys…not that your opinion matters but what do you think?" Allias asked her finally finding some relief. She had fallen right into their trap and without even questioning it. It was very fascinating how some people could be so easily manipulated. If she could do it Allias and Theseus could too.

"Why yes of course. You have the freedom to do whatever you want but let me set a very important term to this mission of yours. Out of consideration" she announced. 

....

Hello! Thank you for reading and for all your support. 

How does the new arc seem so far? I'd love to hear your opinions!

Thank you.