The Forsaken Hero

"Great danger?" Sorrin asked, "What are you talking about? We’ve beaten back the inquisitors and suppressed the Circle. You don’t have to be afraid, Starlight. Our party is strong, we can handle anyone who comes hunting you."

I shook my head, feeling the weight of my horns swaying through the air. "You don’t understand. It’s not the Circle of Inquisitors I’m worried about. It’s the demons."

Rasce’s eyes narrowed. "You don’t mean...?"

"Mean what?" Tana demanded, "Aren’t the demons all fighting Brithlite?"

"All of them except the one in the forest," Dyson muttered. He shook his head, grinning sardonically. "And whatever else managed to make its way here. But we’re so far out of the way. What could they possibly...oh."

I nodded, tail flicking back and forth, as the thief arrived at the same conclusion as Racse. "They’re not wandering here by chance. They’re hunting. Hunting me, specifically. In my vision, one of the generals reported heavy attacks on the defensive line just north of us by powerful evolved demons. All demons are drawn to mana like moths to a flame. Scions lack any sort of discipline, completely consumed by their bloodlust, and attack the nearest lifeforms. Evolved demons are strong enough to have gained real sentience, as well as a hunger for more pure, refined souls."

The fire cracked and popped, filling the heavy silence that followed my words. Eventually, Sorrin raised his head, ears twitching. "Even if it’s as you say, there’s something I don’t understand. There are plenty of powerful people from here to Brithlite, many far stronger than any of us here. Why would they come for you specifically?"

I opened my mouth, but my tongue was heavy and swollen. I frantically grasped at words, trying to find a way to say it without sounding arrogant, but nothing came. Did they really not understand the difference between our souls?

I turned away, a hint of red entering my cheeks, as Korra chuckled. "I guess I’ll spell it out for you. Xiviyah’s special. I’m not exactly certain why, but it might be due to her...unique circumstances. If the regular soul is an uncut gem, hers is the polished masterpiece of a master jeweler. I spoke with some of the Last Light Company in Brithlite before making my way to Heartland, and they said that the moment she appeared on the battlefield, every demon within a mile went into a frenzy, running themselves upon their blades in an attempt to reach her."

"So that demon the other day?" Rasce asked, peering at me intently.

I nodded. "It came for me. If Fate hadn’t allowed me to meet Korra at that time, we would all be dead. Everyone in this village, and Heartland to follow. Right now, we can handle a fifth-level demon together, but they’re not the only threat. There’s the anomaly, too. I think it’s looking for me."