SOML – Chapter 19: Amon Clan

 Chapter 19 – Amon Clan

…

“Sorry everyone.” The old man bowed. “It is not a gentleman's way for not telling you my name. I am once called Demon Emperor Ytthra when I was still a Venerable.”

“One of the people who propped the Amon Clan from its current standing, right?” Jade Hands’ cool voice sounded carefully.

“Pretty impressive. You became a Venerable less than a hundred years. Only a bit slower compared with Cloud Rider. That guy is really famous outside.” Ytthra appreciated. Then, he looked at Ryan. “As for you, still impressive to become Venerable at such a young age.”

“Humans are really impressive right now. Hm. Shall I pull the roots out so we can a bit of leeway…” The demon mumbled to himself, but it was still loud enough for everyone to hear it. Then the demon looked at his surroundings. He sensed something unexpected. “Who did this to you guys?”

Everyone was silent.

“Because… I like it.” Ytthra smiled. It was devilish. The onlookers’ hearts trembled and hurriedly looked away. “It seems there is a qualified descendent in my clan.” He craned his neck. Cracking sound as his small-frame suddenly felt bigger.

“I am known for my intelligence and not for my prowess. But I am already outdated and it is up to future generations to hold the mantle so I’ll just lend them a hand. Is that okay for you, Humans?” A towering power of pestilence subdued everything. The diamond hand in the sky cracked, the umbrella-like palm tree rot in visible manner, the ash-gold color became dimmer and suppressed the hellish flames into a tiny kindle.

“Jade Hands! Green Palm Tree! Ryan! Let’s team up, he’s a demon after all!” Cain barked.

Jade Hands frowned, but she didn’t outright reject him. Only Green Palm Tree stared at Cain.

Feeling his needle-like intent, Cain pouted. “Don’t be crazy. You should have heard him, I’m also just a victim. Even my cub was dead now! Let’s just call it quits!” Cain’s heart was also bleeding, but he knew how powerful humans were right now. Also, there was no hatred between Humans and Beast Race anyway, they were even on the same origin.

Only the demons were outsider.

“Fine.” Palm Tree suppressed his hate, but inside, he would get the due later. No matter what.

Hundreds of rays of light appeared from all directions. It transformed into members of Pendragon Clan who already finished their opponents.

“Pendragon! Pendragon! Pendragon!”

Each member released blinding lights from their body before combining into one. The hundred individuals disappeared and were replaced by a gigantic golden scaly creature. It hovered in space and roared.

“Golden Dragon Formation.” A sense of awe emerged from the onlookers’ mind as they saw the large and long creature above them.

Ytthra saw this, but he did nothing. He just watched them complete the formation.

When they were done, Ytthra finally responded. “One, two, three, four… and a formation as strong as a Venerable.” He smiled in delight.

“Brat, finish that pretty boy already. I don’t want any variables.” Ytthra voice sounded in Grimo’s ears.

Whoosh. Boom. The heaven ruptured as six auras converged and collided.

Grimo’s face was a bit pale, however, he was still excited. He didn’t seem to mind that he wasn’t able to control the being. “He was actually one of the ancestors. I thought he was only… Senior Clown is really amazing.”

Grimo was also from Amon Clan. Their clan have usual yellow eyes and purple hair. Demons were known from their body stronger than humans but less than Beasts.

As for Amon Clan, they were even last on the list. The only thing that they had was numbers. Million was understatement.

And in bringing up a clan, numbers were the largest hurdle.

However, their clan produced more Venerables compared to other clan, propping them up to the higher authority!

This was because they looked closer to humans. This is not a theory, but a proven fact that was known to everyone in the world.

Humans had high intelligence, while Beast had high vitality. But this was not the reason why both races were still standing strong while the Demon Race was going downhill.

The true reason was that they, Demons, didn’t have emotions. And Amon Clan, who resembled humans a lot, had people in their midst who were gifted with emotions.

Grimo longed for it. The primary reason he was here was because of Senior’s Clown promise of giving him an emotion. It thrilled him. This should be impossible and could only be sought for by luck, but Grimo believed Senior Clown could do that.

“Demons have feelings. Though, we can say these feelings are only their reaction to outside environment. An instinct to be precise. Cut a human with a blade and that human will show multiple response. You cut a demon with a blade, and he will also cut you down. Kill a Beast’s cub and that Beast will show anger, hate, remorse, or sadness. You kill a demon’s child, but he will only kill you back.” Von judged Grimo’s excitement. He didn’t want the demon to gain his prize. “Demons don’t feel love. All of their activities are for the propagation of their race. Just a survival ability.”

“Don’t make it sound bad, Teach.” Grimo smiled. “We, demons, don’t want a borrow life. Anyway, let’s finish this.”

Grimo flung his sleeves. But this time, a hulking figure appeared. It stood towering before Von’s serious face.

…

Jack felt extreme fatigue. His round black eyes felt distress. His thick brows knotted and his yellowish-brown complexion became pale.

He moved his squarish jaw and spit a saliva filled with blood. He wheezed as he slumped down on the ground.

Beside him are few soldiers who are alive. Blanketed around were an ocean of red and flesh.

They defeated the horde, but with a heavy price.

While kneeling, Jack couldn’t help but think about his little brother, Mimosa. There was an unknown weird emotion in his tired-filled eyes. “I just hoped you are safe.” He sighed.

He looked at the disastrous event on the sky. “Even as strong as Von cannot help you. Only by becoming strong yourself will help you survive. If not, then you cannot change your fate.”

Jack scanned around and sighed once again. He had a bulky body, a very common on Dult Family. He was used to walking straight, but his back was currently hunched. “Do I run or just face what this lead…” He thought.

…

The gorilla struggled to enter the cave. Even though it was wide enough, it still felt jammed. It moved in snail space until it finally reached the center. In there, it caught Ben facing him. Confusion clouded its eyes. It didn’t like this kid; he was the one it thought was hard to chew.

Ben’s back broke in a cold sweat. He wanted to cry, but no tears coming out. “I am only sturdy; it doesn’t mean I will not die!”

He made a tantrum in his mind. However, plan was plan. So Ben went to work.

He danced, just like the first time they hunted the furry animal. Hulala~ The gorilla became stupid. It wasn’t even able to react when Ben dashed toward it.

Ben rammed the monster hard that they toppled together. Ben immediately hugged the beast tight. He knew that next move of the plan.

Or so he thought.

A gentle breeze caressed the gorilla and Ben, who was hugging it. They looked at each other in bewilderment.

“Ahhhh! Save me!” Ben stood up and ran towards the other passage. He didn’t know why there was no follow-up.

Roar!

This incensed the gorilla. It also stood up and run after Ben. Unfortunately, the passage was too small for it. So it could only look in anger while Ben was running for his life.

Ben gasped in a breath when he was finally out of the narrow passage. He looked up and surveyed his surrounding, only to be shocked.

He saw the other kid once again. This time, he was standing still and facing Sarah. Beside them were Jed and the duo who have worry written on their faces.

“You’ve come.” Sarah’s voice echoed.

Ayill’s entire body was still covered with clothes. They could only see his eyes. He pursed his lips. He hesitated, but he still answered her.

“Yes… I’ve decided.”

“I see.” Sarah put her left fist in front and her right fist tucked between her arms. “Don’t worry. Because we are classmates, I won’t bully you.” Sarah teased, she let out her teeth. Then, she quickly erased it and was replaced with seriousness.

Ayill looked down. Thoughts appeared in his mind. But when he looked up, his eyes filled with determination!

The faceoff was broken and two fast figures met in the air.

Ayill groaned, Sarah easily slipped a punch on his stomach. He somersaulted, but a leg was already on his face.

Bang. Ayill slid down, but he dashed once again.

Sarah was nonchalant, she caught hold of his arm and threw him to the ground. She picked him up and used him like a hammer.

Bam. Bam. While being thrown, Ayill’s hand snaked. A dagger flashed and cut Sarah’s neck. However, the girl evaded the lethality and only a red thin line was visible.

Though Sarah became extremely excited.

“This time you used poison! HAHAHA.” Sarah laughed out loud as she charged towards the boy, uncaring about the poison already circulating in her veins.

“One minute and you will die.” Ayill was steady. He backed up, trying to prolong the fight.

Jed gripped his fist hard. He almost intervened. He looked at the duo beside him and saw the horror in their eyes.

“Ayill, he–don’t tell me this is why he…” Terrence bit her lips.

“What did he do?” Jed asked.

Jay’s face was grim. He hesitated to speak but still let it out in the end. “He drugged our food to make us asleep and left a letter that he is going to do something.”

“So, you knew.” This time, Jed’s released a horrifying intent. His eyes were cold, and he gripped his knife tight. Even Ben, who knew him longer, was shocked.

Jay had an illusion of needle-like light pierced through him. “I-I, we didn’t know.” He stammered. “He’s a good kid, really. We were even happy before then.”

Jed closed his eyes. It disinclined him to see the following events.

“Sarah, I haven’t known you for a long time, but I won’t let anyone die before my eyes. Not again!”

He swore as he opened his eyes and looked at the cave ceiling. His eyes bored through it. He saw the space governing the realm and even to the beyond, the outside world!

Sarah created a flurry of attacks. Ayill was awkward as he kept backing up. He shared some attacks, but he was being thoroughly suppressed.

Glug. Ayill felt hotness from his chest. He vomited a mouthful of blood. He flanged his dagger to get small respite, but Sarah stuck like a glue.

Bang. Ayill rolled face first. He was trembling while holding his chest. He looked straight at his supposed target. Sarah didn’t follow up. She was just standing and looking at him in a higher position.

“Is the poison ineffective?” Jay gulped. Ben thought Sarah was immune.

“Get up.” In fact, Sarah felt the poison affecting her. But she didn’t let it on her face. She remained confident and steady.

“How can you kill me if you were this feeble?” A blur appeared. Ayill soared to a large distance. Just as he landed, another kicked followed.

Kicks after kicks, he just became a ragged doll before Sarah. It was to the point that Terrence and Jay could not hold it anymore.

“Stop!” Terrence finally brought out the thing inside her sack. It was a spear. It appeared ordinary, and the only design it had was the spiral in its middle section. Terrence brandished her spear and blocked Sarah from going further.

“If you step closer, I’ll forced to stop you.” Terrence gnashed her teeth.

As for Jay, he dashed towards Ayill. He removed the cover on Ayill’s face, to see as pale as a corpse's face. Stream of blood flew from his nose and mouth. Ayill struggled from Jay’s arms.

“Get off.” Ayill pushed Jay. He trembled as he struggled to stand up. “I need to kill her.”

“Why are you so stubborn?!” Jay shouted at him. “Were you being forced against your will? The authorities will surely help you. So, please stop. I beg you. Aren’t we friends? Ayill, stop.” Tears poured on his eyes. He hugged Ayill so tight that the latter trembled from the warmth.

Too bad it was something he didn’t need.

Sarah only smiled at the trio’s actions. “I don’t mind even if you three come at me.”

Terrence became dead serious and pushed her spear towards Sarah. Sarah ducked and went closer.

The spear suddenly shortened and once again pushed towards her. Sarah dove while her face facing upwards. She observed the spear as she rolled over to Terrence. The latter stepped back as her spear once again shortened.

This time, Terrence used the spear to pummel Sarah, who was below her. However, Sarah’s sight was on the spear and immediately noticed the trajectory. She used her right hand to push her body away.

But while mid-air, she did a back kick, hitting Terrence right on her chin.

Even though Terrence flew, her spear easily snaked towards Sarah. But in the last minute, she retracted it.

Bang. Terrence descended on her back. She groaned yet stood up, ready to face Sarah once again.

Sarah pouted. But soon she smiled. “What now? Your accomplices can’t even help you.” She teased Ayill.

Ayill stared daggers at Sarah. He now felt anger from her constant teasing. But suddenly, he gawked when he saw Sarah coughing a mouthful of blood.

Horror painted on Ben and Jed’s faces. Even Terrence and Jay were shocked by this turn of events. Both Ben and Jed ran immediately to Sarah.

However, a shadow bested them.

“Noooo!” Ben screamed on top of his lungs. His eyes bulged while he stared at the tip inching on Sarah.

Jed’s eye shone. A turbulent aura emerged from both of his eyes. He didn’t bother to hide this as he focus on controlling it.

But before he could do anything, he gaped as he saw Sarah uppercutting Ayill. The guy flew on the top of the ceiling and bashed through it hard!

Ayill descended. His eyes were lifeless. Hundred horses were running on his mind right now as he didn’t know what was happening anymore.

The boy had been struggling to fight from the guilt he felt of killing innocents. He hypnotized himself that Sarah was just another victim. He thought of his mother and vowed to rescue her from that damnable place. This is for my mother, he thought.

But even with that resolve, he still lost on a kid no older than him.

Someone who hadn’t experienced the cruel reality of this world.

She was talented, but it shouldn’t be able to defy odds of being able to defeat him, who already experienced torturous gruel training and combat experience.

And even with that case, she should be dead by now because of poison.

But she wasn’t. She might struggle, but she stood up with the same face—confident, nonchalant and steady.

The girl’s shoulder quivered, but she stepped closer towards him.

She was clearly bleeding, but she still appeared unbeatable as ever.

An oppressive aura enveloped the surroundings. At this moment, the onlookers sensed what Sarah was going to do.

Terrence gripped her spear hard. Jay looked nervous, not knowing what to do.

Ayill got up and faced her. He steadied his eyes.

Maybe… maybe it is better to die.

Mother, sorry for not being a filial child. I can’t help you now. If I die, please don’t be sad. If you also die, then I hope you’ll still be my mother in my next life.

“Wait!”

A scream defeated the oppressive atmosphere. Everyone looked at the person.

“Please wait. Why are we fighting anyway?” They didn’t know who Ben was asking, but Sarah didn’t want any of his antics and continued to move closer to Ayill.

Thus, Ben blocked her with his body.

“Wait, Sis. We can’t kill someone just like that.”

“You know, Ben, your naivety will be your downfall.” Sarah scoffed.

While they are talking, Ayill used this opportunity to strike. He dashed as his dagger snaked around Ben. However, Ben positioned himself between Sarah and Ayill.

Seeing this, Ayill’s eyes contracted. He stopped and retreated from his position.

“See. Isn’t he kind? Err…” Ben said immediately, but he knew he blabbered that one almost too quickly.

Sure enough, Sarah looked at him like a retard.

Ben tried to crane his neck to look on the attacker. “Well, it seems that your only target is Sister Sarah, correct?”

From some strange reason, Ayill nodded. Even he didn’t know why he did that.

Ben immediately sighed in relief, which was to Sarah’s irritation and disappointment.

However, his next words made the others’ mouth agape.

“So, you are really kind. If you are a bad guy, then you will dispose of all of us. I can also see that you don’t really want to kill Sister Sarah.” Ben smiled. However, his smile was infectious, making Jed also smile.

This guy is naïve, but he is really kind hearted. Jed thought.

“Bro, I don’t know what your circumstance are. But we don’t have to take this step. And you see, the teacher will know something about this incident and he will definitely investigate.” Ben pleaded, his face was masked with innocence and pity.

“We can change. And we can work hard for our future. Do you know who showed me what is the worth of hard work, it’s her, Sister Sarah.”

Jay and Terrence exchanged looks. When Sarah heard Ben’s word, she smiled widely. Her perception about Ben also beginning to change. This Doofus knew how to bootlick. However, she didn’t stop and circumvented Ben.

“Doofus, don’t spoil my fun, okay. This is what he decided and I will finish it.” The oppressive aura appeared once again. Ben wanted to say something, but he stopped when he saw Sarah’s smile.

Jed also smiled. What a weird girl. His eyes were complex as he looked at Ayill. He exhaled and stored his knife to pocket.

Ayill’s teeth were clattering. He stared at Sarah and knew the moment had come. When they were only at arm’s length, both of them simultaneously attacked.

Whoosh. Ayill stared closely at the face in front of him. There was no fear in there. But there was also no killing intent. It shocked Ayill to the point he stopped his attack. Ayill knew he fucked up and now he was finished.

He wanted to close his eyes, but he could not avert his sight. The fist landed. But the pain seemed too long to respond.

“You are dead, Zombie.” But what awaited him was the most beautiful smile he ever seen.

Jay’s eyes popped out from its socket.

Terrence closed her eyes and smiled as welling tears finally came out.

Jed destroyed his persona and smiled jubilantly.

And Ben muttered. “To think, Sister Sarah is actually playing Death-Tag all along…”

Ben haven’t laugh so hard in a while. This was their usual game in their neighborhood. Kids would act to punch each other while running from one another, and they will also act as if they were in pain. The loser was the one who took the most punches and would be called as dead or sometimes a zombie.

“Heh. This is my first time playing this game, so, don’t take it too hard, will you?” Sarah grinned.

Ben, Jay and Terrence smiled wryly. “This is not how you play this game!”

Sarah harrumphed. “As I said, this is my first time. I usually only observed from the window when the other clans’ children playing this game.”

All of them smiled.

“Why...?” A trembling voice sounded. All of them looked at Ayill. The latter’s fists were trembling. He looked down on the ground, masking his face with shadow.

“Why are you not angry?

“I tried to kill you. And a second, I will try again.”

“I cannot go–.” But he wasn’t finished when Sarah patted him on the shoulder.

“Dude, relax. All of us here are classmates. And whoever made you do this; we will beat him. I, for sure, will beat him to a pulp.” Sarah faced her head sideward, making her incomparably arrogant.

But this calm yet friendly tone finally broke down what was last left of Ayill. Tears spilled down as he fell on to his knees.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

“I can’t do it anymore.” Ayill sobbed loudly. His breathing became erratic as he convulsed from all the pain and sufferings he had felt.

All the biting cold night sensations came back and drown him. All the guilt, hatred and despair consumed him.

His tiny frame, his young age, all of this became apparent. He wasn’t a killer. Just a child.

He only hoped for warmth, but his mother was ill. Her temperature was even colder than him. Thus, he was her warmth.

But he vanished, and he didn’t even know if he could see his mother again.

Actually, he really hoped that his mother was with those guys, at least, she had food.

But alone, on that house and with a bastard of a husband, she would surely die.

This dream along with his guilt rendered Ayill unable to accept his fate.

Why am I suffering like this?

Is it too hard to plea for a minuscule amount so we can have a hot soup for the rainy days?

Did I deserve nothing but pain and despair?

Cold… in the abyss, there was nothing else but coldness.

Ayill pried his dagger. He pointed it to himself. He trembled as he struggled to bring himself to death.

But suddenly, a pair of warm arms enveloped him.

Next, another pair also followed. One after another, the weight increased, but Ayill found himself warming.

Then the dagger fell down, making a clacking sound.

…

Chapter 18 | Chapter 20