Dawn began his descent and flew down towards Silverlake with his troops behind him. It was early morning, and Dawn yawned. He was rubbing out the mucus in his eyes. Once he was done, Dawn saw the Pegasus Riders, with Kanetaine leading them. He swooped down, stopping them. Kanetaine scowled. "Dawn? What are you doing here?"
Dawn bowed. "Pardon me, but Lord Sun has ordered me to visit the forest. I assume you also plan to meet this elusive sentinel named Gil?"
"Sun wishes to understand the sentinel's motives as well?" Dawn nodded. "He has asked us to join you until further notice." Ray looked over at Kanetaine. "My Queen, I believe an alliance will be a good choice. If the sentinel chooses to attack us, as well as the Count, our forces may not suffice."
"Indeed," Kanetaine agreed. "An alliance would serve both our interests." She shook hands with Dawn. "Let us part. I'm looking forward to my reunion with Gil."
"You've met him before?" Dawn asked.
"Yes," Kanetaine notified him of her first encounter with Gil. "My courts were wholly scared of giving him a penalty for fear he might retaliate, although I was aware that he was not in the wrong. I was anxious he would attack after he was exiled, but accounts say he left with a smile on his face."
"I see. Well then, let's get going. Now I'm curious as to discern what this Gil is like."
Gil walked around his nameless city, saying hello to anyone he was acquainted with, such as Klain, his siblings, Nova, and Atticus. Holly had offered to make lunch for him, and Gil was excited, hoping the food would taste good. Maria had chosen to accompany him, though Alyyiah had refused, saying she was busy. That was because Maria had given her plenty of work to make sure she was too occupied to spend quality time with Gil.
Andromeda had been weaving clothes with some sentinels and leprechauns. She immediately stopped when she saw Gil and Maria running over to and hugging them. "I've missed the two of you! You don't visit very often," she pouted.
"We didn't want to bother you," Maria smiled. "You've been working pretty hard lately. Are you tired?"
"No, no! Don't worry about me: I swear I'll be fine!"
"Well, remember to take a break. We'll spend time with you when we come back."
"Where are you going?"
"Holly's prepared lunch for us," Gil answered. "Would you like to-"
"I'll pass," Andromeda shook her head. "Those clothes won't weave themselves." Gil was a little taken aback by how speedily Andromeda rejected the offer. Was Holly's cooking bad?
Andromeda turned to Maria. "If you're still free when I'm done, I would appreciate you and Lady Alyyiah accompanying me on a little shopping."
"Absolutely." Andromeda had become Maria's first female demon friend in a long time, and the two quickly bonded. Just last week, they chatted in a newly opened cafe, laughing over a cup of milk tea. Yesterday, the two of them and Alyyiah relaxed on a hillside, talking about life and boys. "Well, I'll see you later, Andromeda."
Gil and Maria came to the longhouse cafeteria, where everyone ate if they didn't plan on going to a restaurant. Holly glowed when she saw them. "Please have a seat! I'll go get your meal right away!" Gil thought something was off. The room was eerily empty. "Breakfast should be served soon," he thought. He wondered why everyone was coming so late. He asked Maria about it, but she simply shrugged, saying people would show up soon.
Nova and Atticus arrived and joined Gil and Maria. "Greetings," the two bowed as they sat. "Who's cooking today?" Nova asked.
"Oh, Holly is," Gil said. To his confusion, the two immediately got up and ran away. He looked to Maria for an answer, but she was just as mystified as he was.
Everything became clear to him once Holly had laid a tray of her cooking on the table. Maria began to wonder if Holly knew how to do anything but fight and be pretty. Gil gulped as he stared down the bubbly liquid stew colored a sinister purple, becoming even more scared when he thought he saw a small slime-like creature move in the liquid. "Um, it looks great," he squeaked.
"Really? Thank you!" Holly exclaimed, happy someone finally complimented her cooking. Secretly, Gil telepathically communicated with Maria, asking her if there was a way to get out of this situation. "Of course not! With nobody else here, we can't excuse ourselves! And you promised to eat Holly's cooking, so I guess we'll be going to the afterlife early." She breathed a sigh of relief when Jaco appeared next to her. "What is it, Jaco? Did you come to eat here too?"
"No, Lady Maria. My body doubles have reported sighting an armed group of three thousand soldiers."
"Has the demon lord responsible for the Goblin Lord's birth come to attack?" Gil asked.
"No, Lord Gil," Jaco returned. "It seems to be the Pegasus Riders. I have confirmed Queen Kanetaine among them. However, there are also soldiers from the kingdom of Aurora. I have spotted a phoenix, and alongside him, sirens & rocs." The news did not shock Maria. She knew Kanetaine would do something about Gil, and she knew there had to be spies monitoring him. However, she did nothing about them. If she did, Dirram might retaliate. She did send Jaco to keep an eye on them in case they decided to cause trouble. But they were likely gone by now, as the Queen of Dirram herself had come to pay a visit. But Maria did take issue with the fact that Aurora had gotten involved too. There was a high chance it was because of the fight with the Goblin Lord. Maria cursed, calling herself an idiot. Aurora was not far from Silverlake. It made sense they would have spies scattered around the perimeter: to warn them of potential threats. The king of Aurora was a demon emperor, and the last thing she would want is for his nation to be hostile towards hers or for him to declare war.
Gil soothed Maria. "Relax. This is an opportunity. If we gain their trust, we can gain allies in Tenebris. As the bunch that defeated the Goblin Lord, I doubt they came to pick a fight with us because then the king of Aurora would be coming here on his own. Only a demon emperor could take us down."
"You make it sound so easy, Gil."
"Maria, don't you have faith in me?"
"Of course I do," Maria retorted. "I made a mistake, and I think It'll cost us a lot, is all. And with what you did at Dirram, Kanetaine might make heavy demands."
"About that...I wanted to apologize. I realize I acted too rashly. I'll make up for it in any way I can. But Maria, you don't have to bear any of my failures. If there's anything you need help with, I'll always be there for you, so stop sulking."
"That much is true," Maria smiled wanly. She didn't know why she was worrying so much. Gil was right. If she screwed up, either he or Alyyiah could correct her errors. Aurora could fight them head-on, but Dirram could not. Even if Aurora declared war, their military was mediocre. If she was Alyyiah, Maria could wipe them out and have Gil and the Onis wreak havoc on the city. Even if the king was a demon emperor, he would have a lot to lose, and none of it came cheap. Maria felt that she could fly to the moon if she was with Gil. The two of them had established a city where sentinels and demons were already living happily amid a war, and now two powerful nations were taking them seriously. If they put their all, there was no limit to what they could do.
Gil grinned. "There's the Maria I know," he said. Maria reminded herself that when the chance arose, she would express her emotions to Gil. Right now, she had to deal with the approaching army. "Jaco, inform the other Onis of this, as well as Alyyiah, Conall, Hagas, and Klain."
"As you command, Lady Maria."
Maria, Gil, and the others ran to halt the Pegasus Riders. Kanetaine spotted Gil, and she instructed everyone to land. She jumped off her pegasi. "Well, hello, Gil. It seems we have crossed ways again." Dawn studied Gil. He knew Gil was a child, but he didn't expect him to be so young. Gil looked to be no older than thirteen. He reasoned that the beautiful girl next to him was the Count he had heard of. The demons next to him had to be Onis, given their aura. The pretty black-haired girl next to Gil was the star who led a group of leprechauns in the battle against the Goblin Lord. "He's brought out his strongest cards," Dawn thought. He glimpsed at Kanetaine, questioning what she would do next.
When they last met, Kanetaine had restricted her aura. Gil knew she was not doing so this time. The Queen of Dirram possessed the same amount of quanta as Alyyiah did. The only difference was that she was much older and likely had more combat experience, resulting in a higher combat proficiency. Combat abilities were just as crucial as quanta possession. When Gil sparred with Atticus, he tried to minimize the quanta he used to learn not to rely only on his innate strength. Even with some quanta, Gil could not hold a candle to Atticus. He worried his relative inexperience would be the deciding factor, one that would ensure his defeat. But if Kanetaine came for a fight, there was no rule saying Gil had to restrict his powers, and that would play in his favor.
Klain knelt before Kanetaine. "Are you well, my Queen?"
"Yes, Klain. I'm glad to see you've been doing fine as well. Now then, to the matter at hand." Kanetaine drew her sword and pointed it at Gil's neck. "You've been a cause of concern ever since I laid my eyes on you."
"Are you going to eliminate me?"
"No. That would be impossible, at least for me. I do have a question I would like for you to answer. What are you hoping to achieve in Tenebris?" Gil glanced at Maria, and she nodded, telling him it was alright for her to know their plan. "What I'm trying to do is end the war between sentinels and demons." Kanetaine tightened the grip on her blade. "It would seem so. But how are you going to end it? The war has been ongoing for millennia. Many people have tried to bring peace, and they've all failed. Knowing that, how will you succeed? What makes you think your outcome will be different?"
"I'm after more than just a peace treaty. I plan to found a nation where sentinels and demons can live happily. I will expand it through Tenebris, making it a testament to the world that both races can coexist. People will see that the war can end, and when they come to my nation, they will realize how much better it is to enjoy life with sentinels rather than to always fight them."
Kanetaine dropped her sword. The shock on her face was palpable. A nation where sentinels and demons could live in peace? For years, Kanetaine had used the status of Dirram as a neutral zone to advance that goal, but she had failed. The nobles went crazy after she announced her engagement to Ray, and he's been scoffed at ever since. When sentinels first sought refuge in her nation, there were attempts to kick them out. However, as time passed, the dwarves began to look upon sentinels in a kinder light. Of course, there was plenty of discrimination. A series of legislation was introduced that would disproportionately disadvantage sentinels. It was not explicitly discriminatory, and so it was passed. Kanetaine swiftly replaced many of those in her court who wished to preserve the status quo with fresher, younger souls who were more willing to elevate sentinels, including Ray. Much progress was made, but Kanetaine knew this would be the end. The dwarves in her nation were still wary of sentinels and reluctant to grant them equal rights under the law, and her work came to a halt. She might have been the Queen, but she was only a single person. Ray himself had asked her to stop, saying she had done more than enough, and as her husband, he would advance her agenda on her behalf. The effort had almost broken her. Civil war almost broke out, and even a coup was ventured. She had seen atrocities committed by both sides, and finally, she could bear no more. She hoped that the sentinels whose rights she fought for would pick up her mantle because she could no more. However, she did not give up entirely, taking advantage of what opportunities came her way and placed more sentinels in the royal court. Now, her gaze was on a child who wished to succeed where she had failed. This young sentinel had won over many demons and had built a thriving city. From the letters that Sun had sent her, sentinels and demons were considered equals, and they were happy to be with the other. Kanetaine thought that if Gil was being serious, he really would succeed. He did far more than she ever did in the space of a couple of months.
Dawn was more dubious. While he thought Gil's idea wasn't bad, he still doubted his motives. "Is that really what you're after? A long time ago, the Vasea Empire claimed to have that intent. Now, they just subjugate any demon that comes their way." He eyed Kanetaine, and an understanding passed between the two of them. Kanetaine sheathed her sword. "I'm sorry, Gil, but neither of us can let you make that nation of yours if we can't trust you."
"That's fair," Gil said. "So, how do I gain your trust?" Dawn stepped forward. "Simple. We'll host a duel. You won't be allowed to use any quanta, however."
"Taking away my biggest advantage? What happened to fair play?"
"This is fair," Kanetaine chortled. "You have the power to defeat a demon lord on your own. You could easily do the same with us." Ray grabbed Kanetaine's hand. "My Queen, please consider. He might be a boy, but he's a pulsar. What happens if he does use his powers?"
"That's the point of the duel, Ray. If he can't keep a simple promise, he's not to be trusted."
Gil used his powers to fashion a sword for himself. "Is it alright if I do this?"
"If you don't use your powers anymore until the duel ends, yeah." Dawn made his own blade out of flames. "So, would you like to take me on first or settle for the Queen here?"
"You seem stronger, so I'll challenge you." Gil sensed that Dawn possessed quanta on par with Maria, albeit comparably less. It was an excellent opportunity to see how far he'd come with his training and to not get thrashed for once. Gil found his record with Atticus to be depressing.
Coraline materialized in front of everyone. "Hey, Coraline," Gil greeted. "Is there something wrong?"
Coraline smiled. "Not at all, Lord Gil. I was only going to ask whether you need a witness for your duel."
"Well, no, everyone behind me is a witness, but sure, I'd appreciate another one."
"Very well then." Coraline turned to Dawn and Kanetaine, both of whom were in shock. "Do you object to my Lord's decree?" Both of them shook their heads, querying how Gil got a naiad to support him. They were the ones who safeguarded forests along with dryads. If anything, they were the ones who would be most likely to object to a pulsar living in their domain. Yet, it seems that even they have become docile to Gil, making both Kanetaine and Dawn see him in a new light. Dawn grinned. "I'm honestly amazed, Gil. Once this duel is over, I'd really like to know your story."
"Sure. If you beat me, then I'll spill." Gil was the first to move. He jabbed, and Dawn parried. The two exchanged blows, waiting for an opening. Dawn pushed Gil back with one arm. "You don't have much physical strength, do you? I expected you to be stronger than this: I suppose you still are a child."
"Bite me. Wait till I take this duel more seriously, whoever you are." Gil dodged Dawn's blade and hacked wildly, pushing Dawn back. Gil swung his fist, but Dawn evaded it. "The name's Dawn, kiddo." He held his sword with both hands. "If you're still standing after this attack, I'll give you the victory." In an instant, Dawn vanished. Gil only sensed his sword in the nick of time and managed to avoid it. However, Gil was too slow the second time around. Dawn's blade grazed his arm and his chest in the successive attacks. If Gil were allowed to bolster his body with quanta, he could move at much faster speeds, but he could not do that in this duel. But Gil pinpointed where Dawn was right before he attacked, so he just needed better timing. He steadied himself, and when Dawn raised his sword, he was ready for it and stopped Dawn's blade, his knees buckling from the pressure. Dawn let his blade dissolve and laughed. "Well done, Gil! I can't believe you survived my attacks without using any quanta!"
Coraline stepped in between them. "Enough! The winner of this duel is Gil Asphodel!"
Gil was grateful he did win and was a little irritated that Dawn would press him that hard. Had Dawn continued, he thought he could have become a shish kebab. Maria gave Gil an ointment, which he quickly applied. Kanetaine put her sword away and offered her hand. "That was excellent fighting, Gil." Gil shook it. "Thanks. So, what do you think of me now?"
"If the naiad wasn't enough to convince me, the duel was. You really do want to shape your nation to those ideals you aver." Dawn nodded. "You're an interesting lad. I think we'll have a profound relationship starting today." Gil agreed. "Well, now that that's over, we should discuss how our nations are going to interact from now on. Maria-"
"Already on it," Maria instructed Hagas and Conall to prepare a big feast for their new guests and sent the Onis and Alyyiah to help with that. Maria curtseyed. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Maria Asphodel, Gil's second-in-command." Dawn rubbed his chin. "Ah, so you're the Count I've heard of."
"The pretty vampire who's been having an affair with Gil," Kanetaine smiled wryly. Maria's face reddened slightly. "Your spies observed too much, it seems."
"Well, now that we're establishing diplomatic relations, I assure you I won't have you under surveillance. I am curious about your relationship, nonetheless."
"Very well. I'll tell you my life story during the banquet."
"Banquet?" Gil nodded. "We thought it would be appropriate to welcome you guys with a big feast. You're free to turn us down."
Dawn snorted. "I'll accept the hospitality, thank you."
"Yes," Kanetaine said. "There's a lot I wish to discuss with the two of you." Ray had never seen her so bright. It had been a long time since Kanetaine was as joyous as she was today. She felt the hope that shined upon her, and the stress that had accumulated over the years had vanished. Her wish would be made a reality by Gil. As Maria led everyone back to her home, Kanetaine turned to Ray, smiling as she held his hand. She told him that now there was hope for them: that what they failed to do in Dirram would be accomplished here. Ray gleamed, kissing Kanetaine. "You've finally been set free from the pain of the past, my love. Now, we can move on."
Dawn chomped down whatever passed him. He never had anything so remotely delicious in his whole life. He especially liked the wine and glugged down chugs in seconds. Kanetaine and Ray were more controlled, although they found the food to be just as delectable. "I see you're enjoying yourselves," Maria sipped a cup of water. Dawn nodded. "The food here is amazing! How do you make this stuff?"
"Yes. I'm more amazed you've named all these demons. You've even made bonds with sentinels," Kanetaine remarked. "How did you do it?"
"Do what, exactly?"
"Don't play dumb. Sentinels and demons have held a grudge for thousands of years now, yet here they're best friends. How'd you overcome that barrier?"
"Gil deserves the credit for all that. He consolidated everyone here. There isn't a soul here that's not thankful for what Gil did for them and doesn't revere him. They know that Gil is a benevolent leader, and they chose to serve him of their own free will."
"What about you? You say your Gil's second-in-command, yet you don't address him as your Lord. Instead, you simply call him Gil."
"We formed a bond, and I gave him my last name, making him a partner on equal footing with me and part of my lineage. I've known Gil ever since we were little kids."
"How did you come to meet him? The Asphodel family rules over Bloodbound. It would be out of character for them to let one of their own befriend a sentinel, much less converse with them."
"Well, my family abandoned me at a young age..." Maria trailed off. Memories swirled in her head, but she shook them off. That was the past. Now, her new family consisted of Gil, who she would make her husband, and all the demons she named. "Gil's family took me in and cared for me after they found me on the brink of death. I lived with them in Stella until Gil's parents were murdered by two winged sky dragons. Then, we came here."
"That's quite the story," Dawn commented. Maria raised her eyebrows. "You don't believe me?"
"I believe you," Kanetaine affirmed. "It sounds far-fetched, but it explains the relationship you have with Gil."
"But what about her ties to the Asphodel family?" Dawn asked. "Shouldn't we know about that?"
Kanetaine shook her head. "Her family abandoned her, and she has no obligation to tell us anything. Besides, I'm sure it's personal for her."
"Very personal," Maria snarled. "About the treaty-"
"I'll wait for Gil to come back before we talk about that," Kanetaine held her hand. Once Gil had settled down next to Maria, Kanetaine and Dawn outlined the terms of the treaty. Trade routes would be opened between the three nations. If one of them was attacked, the other two must come to their aid. Attacking any country in the treaty was forbidden, as was provoking hostilities. Citizens from one country may choose to live in the other countries mentioned and be guaranteed protection and rights. Finally, roads to Dirram must be constructed.
"Do you have any objections?" Kanetaine asked. Gil shook his head. "You have no problems either, right Maria?"
"Nope. About the last part...my side can physically make the roads between our nations; however, you'll have to pay a toll when using it."
Kanetaine nodded. "But Dirram has to be able to negotiate the toll every few years."
"Very well. We accept the treaty."
"Before you do, you should give a name to your nation. We can't affiliate ourselves with a nameless country."
Maria had been thinking of a name to give her nation, but she was stuck. Nothing she came up with sounded good to her. Gil tugged her sleeve. "How about we name our nation Tempestas? I think it's a good tribute to him."
Maria wondered why she didn't think of that and nodded. "Yeah, that's a good name. Starting today, we will be known as the nation of Tempestas!"
"Thanks an excellent name," Kanetaine offered. "We look forward to the blooming friendship between our nations." Maria and Gil both signed the parchment, and the treaty was established. Hagas jumped. "Wait just a minute! If this nation is named Tempestas, then this city should be the capital and called Maria in her honor!"
Maria wanted to object, but everyone agreed to it, even Gil, who told her that her name was more suitable than his. Maria sat down, sighing. "Oh, well. It's a minor loss." She clanked drinks with Kanetaine, Gil, Dawn, and Ray. "Cheers!"