“Right, time to stand against the Council and Fitzdonald and stop either Kymie-whatsit or Drakon from becoming Champion. Murder seems like a good starting point for the plan.”
I’d emerged from the portal into Malk and Clary’s house, and had immediately flung myself onto the couch, stretching and relaxing. The others took their places on the chairs, and Wabbit rested on my stomach. I continued, “We need to figure out this murder. Well, trap. Murder trap. Thing. Whatever it is. Obviously the goal is to kill off one or both of the other potential Champions of Darkness, to improve my chances of winning. I now have the power to defeat pretty much any elemental on Nyx, so that will probably help a bit with whatever we plan. Now, let’s start plotting!”
Malk said, “Okay, well if we’re going to do the monster ambush then I guess the big thing to worry about is making sure we can get powerful enough monsters, and the two potentials in the right place to be killed by said monsters. The ravagers I found might do but… they might not be powerful enough.”
Clary said, “Actually, I’ve been thinking. Shadow, you’re really amazing, so why didn’t the Council choose you?”
“Meh. Some bullshit about me being a great warrior but a terrible leader, and that I wouldn’t make a good general or commander.”
“Okay… so shouldn’t we be trying to impress upon the Council that you are a good leader?”
“Well, I suppose so, but how- brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Clary, you’re getting a raise, a personalized painting of me of your choice, and a cookie! Malk, get her a cookie.”
Malk blinked in confusion, before shrugging and getting up and going over to the kitchen. Clary asked, “Uh, Shadow, how am I brilliant?”
“Because, my dear little caster, you’ve given me the perfect plan. See, you’re right. I do need to impress my leadership ability, in addition to removing the competition and reinforcing the mindset that I am really powerful and not to be fucked with. So, I’ve got the perfect plan.”
Malk came back with a colorful jar and set it on a stool, taking off the lid to reveal sugar cookies. I grinned at him, began munching on a cookie while Clary did the same, and talked through a mouthful of sugar and dough.
“Mmkay, so, first off these cookies are great, and secondly I know how to do this. It’s all about leadership, power, and removal of competition, right? So we need some event that has the three potentials lead some soldiers in a fight against powerful foes, with the game rigged so that the foes are way more powerful than they should be, and thus only I, who has ridiculous levels of power and about twenty new techniques the other jokers have never heard, will survive. I’m thinking a hunt of some kind. Each potential leads a few soldiers in a hunt at this canyon or cave or whatever, looking for this big pack of monsters. I think Malk mentioned ravagers or whatevs. Whoever gets the highest K/D ratio wins. That way the Council and commoners are forced to admit I’m the best.”
Malk interrupted me to ask, “Wait, what’s ‘K/D ratio’ mean?”
“It’s a gaming term meaning kill-death ratio, or how many enemies you’ve killed compared to how many times you’ve died or how many of your allies have died,” said Clary.
“Right. Anyways, I’m hoping the stress on leadership should sway any of my opponents in the Council, or at least force them to admit they might have been slightly off in their insults. Of course, I should probably try and make more allies anyway, before the contest.”
“So, what do you need us to do?” asked Clary.
“I need Malk to lead you and Wabbit to the monsters he found, so you two can buff them up and make them more powerful and deadly. Maybe set some traps too. Meanwhile, I’ll be in Raven’s Shade, trying to coerce members of the Council to side with me, and making sure they’re onboard with this whole contest thing. Maybe meet the other potentials.”
“Are you sure it’s possible to get the Council to agree?”
“Pretty sure. I’m going to be stressing all the points that Oldie McDouche used against me in his reasoning for why I shouldn’t be Champion, so if he backs down he’ll lose face, and thus strengthen my position anyway. It’s a better move, politically, for him to agree to the contest. If I win, he can show that he’s gracious and willing to adapt. If I lose, it proves him right without costing him anything.”
“I thought you didn’t like politics?”
“I don’t. But I do like manipulation, and as part of that I have to understand how people operate, what drives them and makes them act in certain ways.”
“So what happens if they do refuse, or you can’t get enough support and allies?”
I grinned wickedly. “If that happens, I test out some of the new techniques in my book. Specifically, the mind control chapter.”
Clary and Malk looked uneasy, but nodded and stood up. Wabbit hopped off my stomach, and I said, “I’m going to nap for an hour, to try and recover more energy. When I wake up, I’m going to go to the city portal, use it to get to Raven’s Shade quickly.”
“Why not just open a portal of your own, like you did to get us here?” asked Malk.
“Because the Council doesn’t know I can do that yet, and I’d rather hold off showing my hand until I can do it in such a way to impress the entire Council, and more. The events about to go down are going to require planning, forethought, and careful consideration of every action for maximum impact and effectiveness. I will not let them keep me from my true place, as Champion of Darkness.”
Malk nodded, and left the house, Clary and Wabbit at his side.
I shifted on the couch, closed my eyes, and drifted to sleep.
I woke about an hour later and stood up, stretching my arms and legs. I popped another cookie into my mouth for the energy (and admittedly a bit for the flavor) and walked out the door.
As I walked through the stress of Widow’s Dusk, I snapped my fingers and the darkness enveloped me as before, melting into my clothes and altering them. When I’d first visited the Council I’d worn a regal outfit for flair, and when I’d traveled with Malk and Clary I’d worn simple clothes for maximum agility. This time my outfit was not designed for regality nor practicality.
Instead I wanted to scare the fuck out of the Council.
I was wearing armor, but not the practical kind of armor that is bulky and heavy and plain and masks the biology of the wearer. No, this armor was designed for intimidation value, and designed to clearly show that it was me wearing it.
Stygian black metal, sharp and pointed with purpled traceries that faintly glowed. Sleek boots and a dark belt, from which was slung Whisperdeath, the book, and the mirror. Gauntleted hands with clawed fingers. From my shoulders hung a cloak of shifting midnight that ended in tendrils that moved of their own volition as I walked, and the hood shadowed my face while letting my eyes shine through as piercing amethyst. On my left shoulder sat a skull, while on the right say a metal plate adorned with spikes.
I looked like the specter of death, or like the kind of Dark Lord who would have a burning crimson eye as their sigil and a ring of ultimate power as their artifact. A few citizens in the streets backed away in fear when as I walked to the city portal, grinning wickedly beneath my hood.
I stepped into the portal and through a web of ley-lines that formed a complete map of the cities of Nyx. I quickly located Raven’s Shade and willed myself towards it, emerging from its city portal a moment later.
The first thing I needed to do was contact my allies in the Council, and ensure I had their support. I didn’t have many allies, due to my rebellious nature, and the fact that I had the power to back up actual rebellions, but some people were afraid enough of me, or secretly sympathetic to my nature, and they supported me.
I went to the house of Renessa VonClyse, my greatest ally in the Council. She was a bit of a rebel, going against policy on multiple occasions because she thought something could be done better. As such, she empathized with me, and had assisted me once before, in ensuring I was allowed access to the Academy of War. Plus, I’d altered her mind in subtle ways to make her more likely to help me.
I knocked on her door, and waited a few minutes, standing in the street clad in armor and a cloak. As one would expect, I garnered a great amount of attention, but all the civilians turned away quickly, not wanting to get involved. I smirked a bit at the sheep scurrying away, until two guards spotted me and began walking towards me. I sighed, knowing I’d have to deal with them.
They both looked to be slayers, judging by their light armor and swords. They wore helmets, though not face-concealing ones, as those had been banned after a patrol of Fire warriors managed to sneak into Raven’s Shade and blow up the Council headquarters, a number of centuries ago. The left one seemed curious, her face not hostile but simply inquisitive. The right one was likely more experienced, since his face was grim, and his hand was resting on the hilt of his sword.
I brushed my cloak aside to reveal my own sword, and drummed my fingers across the hilt, smiling as the girl’s face paled and her hand inched towards her weapon.
“Evening, guard patrol. Lovely night, isn’t it? Perfect for talking, or a cup of coffee, or challenging a woman in better armor than yours who’s wielding a weapon better than yours and acting far more nonchalant than any civilian or spy should when faced by two guards of the city.” I said dryly.
The woman swallowed nervously, and said, “Miss, I’m sorry but you’re loitering outside the house of a member of the Council, and in that… outfit, you look a bit suspicious.”
“Indeed. And of course, the only reason someone would have to visit a Council member would be to murder them. Not that I look anything like an assassin, considering I show my armor openly and I happen to be a Darkness elemental, and elementals do not, as a rule, attack members of their own element. I couldn’t possibly be here to merely speak with whoever’s inside, now could I?”
The man scowled. “You. You’re Shadow, aren’t you?”
“What’s your point?”
“You’re right, normal elementals don’t attack their own people. But you aren’t normal.”
The woman glared at him and said, “It’s just, we’re required to investigate any possible breaches of security. If you could just present some identification of some kind, or if you could present some proof that the person who lives here is expecting you, then we would happily let you speak with her. I mean, for all we know you could be a warrior of Light, using an illusion to disguise yourself.”
The man grumbled, “We might let you speak with her, but I won’t be happy about it either way.”
“Hmm. Alas, woe is me, for I do not in fact have identification or proof. I’d check my pockets, but I’m wearing armor designed to protect against any form of attack, not jeans. I suppose this will result in conflict?”
“Not if you would be willing to simply come with us, miss. It isn’t a crime to own the items you display, we simply want to ensure there aren’t any… events. If you do not come with us though, we will be forced to make you come with us.” said the woman.
“Bah. I never do what I’m told. I guess we’ll have to fight then. Now, do either of you know how to cast? Because if not, I’m afraid this fight will be dreadfully short.”
The woman paled further, but unsheathed her sword and said, “By Nyx and the Council, I am placing you under arrest for resisting authority, and possible conspiracy to assassinate a member of the Council.”
I laughed and drew my own blade, at the same time the man did. “This will be fun.”
“I think not. Shadow, please stop antagonizing the guards. You already do it enough to the Council.” said Renessa, who had opened the door and witnessed the last few bits of our conversation.
I sighed, and said, “Oh, fine. I suppose I can’t afford to piss off more people on the Council, especially considering what I’ll be proposing next meeting.”
She shook her head. “You never know when to quit, do you?”
I laughed, “Never!”
The female guard said uneasily, “Miss VonClyse, you know this woman?”
“Yes. This is the ever-irksome Shadow, one of the potentials for the role of Champion. She’s very full of herself, and not prone to submitting to authority.”
The woman relaxed, but kept her sword drawn, and said, “Then I suppose we’ll let her go, but she does have a weapon. Are you sure you’re safe with her? She has a certain… reputation.”
“Safe isn’t exactly the word, but I’m certain she won’t try to kill me, if that’s what you’re asking. Run along now, and get back to your patrol.”
“Yes, miss.” The two guards sheathed their blades and walked back the direction they came.
“Now, what are you doing here? And why are you wearing that terrifying outfit?” asked Renessa.
“Long story. Got anything to eat, or drink? I’ve had a rough few days lately, could use some more energy.”
“There’s some tea, I just made it.”
“Excellent!”
We walked inside, and I sat down in a fancy recliner while I waited for her to fetch the tea. I looked around the living room, which was full of bookshelves lined with books upon books, and overall had a very antique scholar feel to it. A moment later Renessa came back and I began drinking my cup of tea.
“Mm, good tea.”
“Thank you. So, what have you been up to lately? I didn’t get a chance to talk to you at the meeting, what with you storming off after Fitzdonald made the announcement.”
“Sorry, I needed to work off my anger in a way that wouldn’t destroy parts of Raven’s Shade. I’ve mostly been training more, experimenting with new techniques, and hanging out with Malk, Clary, and Wabbit. They’re doing fine, by the way. Oh, and I got this new sword.”
I brought out Whisperdeath and showed it to Renessa, whose eyes darted back and forth across the blade. “Impressive. I can detect a faint aura to it, or at least it’s faint to my senses. Is it an artifact?”
“A conduit.”
“Fascinating. All I’ve been doing is working on my memoirs. I’m at the point where I first met you.”
“Well, here’s hoping you do me justice.”
“Indeed. Now, what was it you wanted to talk about? If it’s changing the Council’s mind, I’m afraid I can’t do that by myself, or even with your other allies on the Council. The decision’s been made.”
“Oh, I doubt I’d be able to change their minds with words alone. No, I’ve got a better plan. I’m going to propose a contest of power, skill, and leadership, a contest to help the Council make an informed decision. Hopefully, mentioning the leadership bit should negate any argument Fitzdonald tries to bring up.”
“Hmm. It could work. What’s the contest?”
“Basically, each potential takes three soldiers with them, two slayers and one caster, and enters some canyon or arena or whatever filled with monsters. We hunt down the monsters, and whoever leads best and fights best is declared the victor. The contest’s entire purpose is to give the Council information, so Fitzdonald can’t claim that I’m trying to get a free win. It still won’t be an instant victory for me, but it should help change the minds of a good portion of the Council, even my detractors.”
“Interesting. It’s a good plan, politically. Fitzdonald will have to accept or lose face, and if he does accept, either result of the contest, you losing or winning, could work out for him, if he says the right things. I assume you want me to make sure your other allies are supportive of this plan?”
“Yep. Also, if you could arrange a meeting with some of the neutral Council members, anybody who’s one the fence about me, I’d appreciate it. This plan has to work, it’s my best shot at making Champion.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Come back tomorrow, and I’ll give you what I can.”
“Thanks.” I drank the last of my tea, set the cup down, and got up. I walked over to the door and called back, “When I’m queen of the universe, I’ll make this up to you! Maybe give you a castle!”
Renessa laughed, and I exited her house, stepping out once more into the streets of Raven’s Shade.
That went well, I thought to myself. Getting closer to my goal every day.