Redemption Arc

“…and so, with the situation having developed as it has, all parties have expressed no interest in continuing,” Trudy said.

The lawyer for the empire looked haggard. So did all of the other lawyers for the other four great powers, frankly. The instigator for this trial had just killed his wife and joined the Sith. Not hard to sympathize. Maybe he should send them a gift or something.

They were trying to convict me, Lucian remembered. Maybe I am soft.

“Judge, I’d like to request that this case be dismissed with prejudice in light of the offense’s decision,” Theobald said. “I don’t want this reappearing months later when it’s more convenient for them to bring it up again.”

The judge stroked his beard. “I’m of a mind with you, Theobald. Ultimately, dismissal with prejudice is a matter only the jury can decide. That said, I’ll recommend that verdict. Now, let’s move onto…”

Lucian exhaled, feeling like things were finally coming to an end.

***

The jury gave their ruling after less than an hour of deliberation. The case was dismissed in its entirety with prejudice.

Lucian stood outside the courtroom with Theobald. They’d already agreed not to celebrate. “I hope this doesn’t mean that you’re going to give the case regarding Cate to someone else.”

“Are you kidding? You’ve helped me live out a long-held dream of mine,” Theobald said. He eyed Lucian. “I know… I know you’re not entirely pleased with how I handled this. Honestly, Lydia…” He looked disappointed. “You have to understand that I never meant for this. I’m sorry, Lucian.”

“You’ll make it right to me and Cate, I’m sure.” Lucian didn’t cut him any slack.

Theobald chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose I will. Considering that oddity with Aurelia, the lawyer in me wants to argue that I’ve already started making it right by staying quiet,” he said with a glint in his green eyes. “But I’ll forget about that.”

“You don’t need to forget about anything. The results speak for themselves, don’t they?” Lucian shrugged. “She fought Belcourt and tore his arm off after tricking him. That’s the only thing that matters.”

He tsked. “I suppose so. Maybe there’s a future for you in law.” Theobald patted his shoulder. “We probably won’t be seeing as much of the other, but I’ll ensure that Cate gets what she’s owed. Considering the size of Metterand’s estate, this could be a lengthy process. That said, I’m confident in the result. If she doesn’t get something, I’ll make her a baroness in my county or something.”

Lucian nodded in approval. “That’s kind, but I’d prefer she gets something from the Metterand family in particular.”

Theobald eyed Lucian. “Let’s talk about your mark.”

“What about it?”

“Do you have any interest in meeting Dinah?” Theobald asked. “She says this place brings back bad memories. Wants to leave. She has a family, now, but I think I’d like you to meet her. Talk a little. More broadly, talk about the Inquisition.”

“Are you asking, or is she?” Lucian raised a brow. “I’m sure I don’t need to remind you I’m the spitting image of the guy that hacked off her hand.”

“She did ask, actually.” Theobald scratched the back of his neck. “Ah, well… just an idea. Think on it.”

“I do want to talk to her about Cyril in particular, unless that’s too hard on her,” Lucian said. “When?”

“Tonight, if you can manage,” Theobald said, and Lucian nodded.

Need to learn what I can about Cyril and Lydia, Lucian thought. With Lydia’s passing, I lost any leads into the Heavenly Body… but Dinah seemed to have been close in their circle. She might know something.

Theobald cradled his chin. “By the way, my daughter told me some of what you have planned. I won’t deny it makes me anxious. I also won’t hold her back,” he said bitterly. “Make sure you keep her safe, yeah?”

“Sure.”

Theobald leaned in. “Especially from Rowan. If he tries something, do you know the knife skill Instant Castration?”

Lucian smiled wryly. “No, afraid not.”

“You learn it when you have your first daughter,” Theobald said jokingly. “Seeing you and Aurelia, maybe that’ll—"

Lucian sighed and turned away before he could continue. It was time to attend the first of many meetings.

***

Lucian and Aurelia walked through the streets of Verne. The both of them had their hoods up to avoid conversation. People were talking to Lucian incessantly. He liked what they said, but he also liked being able to walk around the city unimpeded.

“So, is Miriam the only one that knows I’m…?” Aurelia asked.

“Debased? Depraved?” Lucian finished.

“I’m not the one carrying a severed arm,” Aurelia pointed out smugly. “Days old, at that.”

Lucian looked around to be sure no one heard. He felt like some kind of serial killer. He had fitting company, he supposed.

“Miriam is the only one,” Lucian confirmed. “But you’re making me want to tell others by asking that question.”

“Ah, no need.” Aurelia was a little exuberant as she walked. “Did I ever tell you it was something of a dream of mine to visit the Collegium?”

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“Why is that?”

“To read the books, to meet the people, to witness the cutting-edge education facility of the world…” Aurelia said. “Everything about it seemed so enchanting, alluring. All that’s to say, thank you for letting me attend.”

Lucian shook his head. “Thank Algard.”

“Him,” she said, her dislike evident. “He’s an emperor. This is the bare minimum. All he did was send a letter. He’s got a long way to go.” He looked at her funnily. He supposed that she was still a little self-obsessed. “I do wonder what he was thinking, securing me a position in the institution you’re actively attending. You, his rival in love,” she said dramatically.

“Joke’s wearing thin. Gonna get ulcers if you keep saying stuff like that,” Lucian muttered. From her laughter, the joke didn’t seem to be wearing thin for her. “Behave, alright? That’s the place.”

Lucian and Aurelia looked up at the Crossing Pub. Last time, Lucian had come here to arrange the journey to find the eight dragons with the other Student Ambassadors. Now, he had bolder plans in mind. Hard to imagine something could be bolder, but it was.

Lucian and Aurelia entered into the Crossing Pub, where the Student Ambassadors were all gathered. People went a little quiet when they entered and lowered their hoods.

“Why’re you all quiet now?” Lucian asked. “Were you talking about me?”

“Yep.” Rowan looked at Lucian. “Only good things, promise.”

Prince Maximilian Vantz stood. “How are you, Lucian? Are you sure you want to be here so soon after what happened?”

“Kind of you to ask, but I’m fine,” Lucian said. “It’s a shame what happened. But if something isn’t done, it’ll happen to more people. That’s the bottom line for me.” He felt a little awkward as people stared at him with pity, so he said, “Anyway, this is Aurelia. She’s been a big help lately, and she’s a pivotal part of what comes.”

Damien pointed. “Is she the woman you were riding?” Everyone looked at him. “What? I saw it on the paper. Didn’t you guys?”

Lucian’s eye twitched, and he looked at Aurelia. She was struggling to behave, clearly, lips drawn tight.

“Aurelia is one of the monastics of Heavenwatch Monastery,” Rowan explained. “And she’s agreed to help us with our aim using something invaluable: information from the True Divine Beast.”

“Lovely to meet you, everyone,” Aurelia said, dipping her head. “Lucian has told me about you. Glowing praise, all… certainly not a bad word about anyone,” she said playfully, and some people laughed. “I’ll be attending the Collegium, soon, to learn conventional skills beyond that my divine beast form provides. But my focus will be here. Though we have the insight of the True Divine Beast, nothing is certain. It’s your effort that will ultimately decide how the struggle against the Hells ends. Lucian believes that this group will be pivotal in the fight, and I trust Lucian. I trust that you can the spearhead to thrust into the underbelly of the devils, and finally put to rest this ceaseless cycle brought about by the First Emperor.”

Aurelia spoke very well, and she had a pleasant voice. Only Miriam didn’t look caught up in Aurelia’s words. The elven woman looked somewhat bitter, in fact. He couldn’t blame her. He’d have to explain things.

“We’ve met before, when Lucian came to the Confederation,” Isran revealed. Some people looked surprised. “You trust Lucian?” Isran asked, leaning in.

“Absolutely,” she confirmed.

“And the True Divine Beast trusts Lucian?” Isran followed up.

“Correct,” she confirmed.

“Then, ladies and gentlemen…” Isran stood up, grabbing a cup. “Before we go on, I believe that something is in order. Now, Lucian once said to us that he wasn’t going to apologize, because he hadn’t done anything wrong. I’ll admit, that pissed me off a little, even cool-headed as I am. But…” He tsked. “The events of the past few days have opened many eyes. Mine included. Am I right?”

Lucian looked around the room. People seem to be grudgingly conceding that point.

Maximilian also grabbed a cup. “A man who was thought to be a hero killed his wife in cold blood, and joined the side of the demons. Nothing feels as it seems.”

“Now, since Lucian didn’t extend to us courtesy of an apology, I’m not going to suggest that,” Isran continued. “What I will suggest, however, is a toast. A toast to the man vindicated before the eyes of the world. A toast to a man freed. A toast…” Isran raised his cup. “To Lucian Villamar!”

Some people picked up their cups enthusiastically, while others did much less. Arslan was the last person to pick up a cup, but pick up his cup he did. They toasted him, then drank whatever it was they were drinking. It all felt a little quaint, even unbelievable. Lucian just stood there smiling, at a loss for words.

“Anyway, now that we’ve established I’m so great, I’ve got this guy’s arm with me,” Lucian declared, setting it down on the table and unwrapping it. Lucian reveled in the mixed reactions—shock, uproarious laughter, disgust. When they settled down, Lucian continued.

“This arm, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, belonged to Belcourt Asheford,” Lucian declared, wrapping it back up. “This thing right here… it’ll allow us to reopen dormant portals to Hell.”

Belcourt’s Inquisitor’s Mark allowed the player to finally go back and revisit the Hells freely. That was only a small part of its total potential. It was also a gift card of demonic energy for his own mark… but like most gift cards, it was limited to one store. Lucian needed to get to that ‘store.’ Lastly, it had one more powers beyond that that needed to be unlocked in the Hells themselves.

“The demons sealed all the portals they made,” Lucian continued. “With Belcourt lending a hand, that ceases to matter. The Hells open up to us, and we can come to them.”

“Are you crazy?!” Bethany shouted. “You want us to go into the Hells?”

“Lucian’s already been,” Aurelia said. “He aided us there. We had to go on short notice once Belcourt appeared suddenly.”

Rowan nodded. “It was there he sustained that injury to his soul. He asked me to keep that hidden. The reasons why, I think, should be clear.”

People looked at Lucian in a new light.

“The soul wound is a glowing endorsement for a repeat visit, Rowan,” Miriam said sarcastically. “To ease your fears, I should add I went with Lucian and didn’t sustain any injuries. The Hells… they are terrifying, but they’re surmountable.”

“She’s right. And for those still concerned…” Lucian looked at Aurelia. “We’ll have Heavenwatch Monastery at our backs. Let me lay things out plainly. The last generation—people like Dean Mortimer, Lorenna, Christoph—they need to stay here to protect the people. Meanwhile, us… we’re young. We have the opportunity to take risks they can’t afford.” He stepped around the table. “I know it’s mad. But would you rather see them continue to attack us at random, or take the risk and sally out to confront our enemy to end this long, attritional siege?” He paused. “I’ve made my choice. I hope you will, too.”

People’s spirits seemed buoyed by Lucian’s simple words.

“I had a speech ready, but you beat me to it. Coming for my place, are you?” Rowan said with a grin. “Anyway, what I propose is this: we had missions as Student Ambassadors. Why don’t we simply replace that with pursuing leads that Aurelia supplies? Now…”

As Rowan started explaining things, Lucian sat down. Aurelia joined him. The trial was behind Lucian. That meant he had time to focus fully on the struggle against the demons. He didn’t know where things went from here, but these were the brightest minds of the generation. Surely there would be a good outcome.

But the situation was different after Cyril’s departure. Things could change quicker than he knew.

***

When Lucian went to his quarters in the Collegium to retrieve a few things before he went to meet Dinah, he was surprised to find Miriam waiting for him.

“Surprised to see me?” Miriam asked, voicing his thoughts. “I can move quickly when it’s urgent. We need to talk, Lucian.”

Something told him this wasn’t good news about the Black Bloom Initiative.

“Alright,” Lucian agreed. “What about?”