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The Soul Deal Ch. 32

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*****The Soul Deal Part 2: The Prince of Darkness (3)*****

When Berwald had taken Tino's hand and run away from the boys' home, he never imagined he'd be living like this. Tino was right; they couldn't have been more lucky to run into the blacksmith that night. The first week was a bit uncomfortable, Berwald had to admit, since he was afraid of embarrassing himself in front of Emil and the older demon hunter. The blacksmith took them to his home after he slew the demon, and since Berwald and Tino were to be his new apprentices to join Emil, he asked them all to call him "Teacher" but to also regard him as a grandfather-like figure. He told them his full name of course, but it was difficult to say, and since Emil never referred to him that way, they all just knew him but the simple name Teacher.

His home was relatively small, but it was big enough for the four of them to feel at home and cozy. It was on the outskirts of his own town, built with sturdy adobe brick walls and an extension room that served as his workshop. There was a forge against the wall that was the hearth for heating metals and a long stone table in the center with an anvil for melding the actual weapon. Next to that lay the chisel and the hammer used for forging while dozens of swords, spears, and axes were lined up against the walls on display. Berwald was engrossed and fascinated by the very atmosphere in the room, and was almost reluctant to leave for the kitchen.

Their first supper together, Teacher realized just how poor of a village Berwald and Tino had come from. Berwald's cheeks flushed slightly when he looked over at Emil, who knew decent manners at the least, correctly choosing which utensil of silverware to use for each dish, and using his napkin in a particular way that matched Teacher's. Tino observed the way Emil ate as well, and tried his best to mimic him to try to seem as civilized and polite as possible. Eventually, Teacher noticed the unusual amount of effort the two newcomers were putting into their custom, and couldn't help but laugh. He then proceeded to give them a quick lesson on dinner etiquette, as well as how to treat customers and elders with respect. Early in their time together, Berwald and Tino learned that while the blacksmith seemed coarse and tough on the exterior, he had a warm heart and unending sympathy. And none of his apprentices ever took his generosity and kindness for granted.

For the next year, Teacher taught the three boys how to live independently and resourcefully. He always quizzed each of them on berries and fruits that were safe to eat, and those that were poisonous. Tips on how to find water in the wilderness and how to hunt were also given regularly. Teacher often took all three boys into town, and they watched carefully as their mentor conversed and associated with other townspeople, noting the way everyone else responded to his mannerisms and were quick to pick up his social skills. "Knowing how to make people listen to you and like you can save your life one day," Teacher once said to them.

In the workshop, Berwald joined Emil in his lessons in the art of forging. Tino had tried to learn as well, but after while realized that it wasn't exactly his forte, so instead Tino would go out into town and find odd jobs that people needed down, and enjoyed helping them. Berwald felt so at home in the workshop, hammering away at the blades whilst sparks flew and sweat dripped down his face. As time passed, he found himself spending more and more time in there, his arms getting strong with each month.

By night, at least five times a week, Teacher would take them back into the forest and give them demon hunting lessons. First they only used small knives and daggers and practiced hitting their targets etched onto tree trunks. Teacher never failed to stress accuracy and patience over power and speed. Of course, those two traits were also valuable, but as Teacher said, one lesson at a time. Once Teacher was satisfied with their knife skills, he moved onto swords and spears. "Every hunter has a different preference of weapon," he had said, "Most use swords, but even then, there are many, many types of swords. You must find the right one for you." Being the oldest and the strongest, Berwald mastered weaponry much faster than Emil and Tino, and found that he had a certain predilection towards double-edged swords.

"You're a natural at this, aren't you?" Teacher chuckled as he watched Berwald swing his sword. A few weeks later, when Teacher deemed him skillful enough, he had Berwald forge his own sword. There was a certain something about the process that made Berwald feel as if it were a rite of passage. He chose his own metal, and for two weeks every night, Tino and Emil would peek their heads into the blacksmith room to see Berwald hammering away at the red hot blade, sweat dripping from his brow. A few days before the sword was complete, between the folding, reheating, and tempering process, Teacher waited for Emil and Tino to go to the market before having a private conversation with Berwald.

"The craftsman ship can be completely flawless," he said sagely, "But even with the best sword, the blade will fail you if it lacks true purpose. When you draw your sword, you must keep the reasons you fight close. The sword is nothing if the heart is weak."

When the sword was finally finished, Teacher gave his wholehearted approval, and said, "Right then. I think...I think you boys are ready for the next lesson." That night, Teacher explained to them what a soul skill was, and how it works. "Every soul is comprised of a powerful energy," he said, "But this energy is sacred. It's what gives us life and makes us who we are. Mundane mortals cannot access this energy in the ways that hunters can. All hunters can draw upon their soul energy to make them physically stronger and faster, but some, not all, can summon even more energy and perform a unique ability."

"Do you have a soul skill?" Tino asked curiously.

Teacher nodded, "I can judge another essence's strength, demon or hunter, and then use that knowledge strategically. But not all soul skills are combat-based. And not all hunters have a skill. Your next focus, all three of you, will be to discover whether or not you have a skill, and learn to control it if you do."

"How do we find out?" Emil frowned, tilting his head.

"Most hunters discover their skill by accident. In the middle of a battle, or after an emotion spike, when our energy levels rise. But if you concentrate enough, you should be able to use it. You may think that it's impossible, that your skill could be anything, but that's not necessarily the case. The skill often has an inextricable connection to the hunter's personality and passions. Not all the time, but it usually does."

For a while, the three boys seemed to have come across a stumbling block in their training. Not one of them could even begin to guess what their skill could be it they had one, or how to reach deep inside themselves and summon the energy like Teacher was instructing. "Maybe none of us have soul skills," Emil sighed one night over dinner.

"If you give up now, you'll never know," Teacher shook his head. "Say, Tino, I saw the grocer in the market give you an extra apple. Does he always offer you one?"

"Just once a week, but it's very kind of him," Tino responded happily.

"Well, most of the other villagers think that he's a cheap man, who only does favors for money," Teacher told him casually.

"Really?" Tino frowned, "I don't even have any money to give him though."

"And doesn't that lady down the road say hello to you every morning?" Teacher asked.

"Yes, just after dawn," he nodded with an innocent smile.

"Well, that lady hardly says anything to anybody. She doesn't say hello to anyone else who walks by, not even when they greet her first." Teacher paused for a moment, thoughtfully, before adding, "And I noticed how you always help the old man with the cane get water by carrying his bucket to well. Doesn't he yell at you all the time? Why do you still help him after he yells at you?"

"He yells, but I can tell he doesn't really mean it," Tino replied sincerely.

"Most kids run away when he waves his cane at them angrily and yells, but you don't," Teacher pondered, "You trust him and the others so easily. And they trust you just as easily. Peculiar, don't you think?"

"Wait...you're not saying...?" Berwald raised an eyebrow as it clicked.

"Are you saying Tino's soul skill manipulates people's trust?" Emil blinked, astonished.

"T-that can't be right," Tino's smile faded. "I...I don't want to manipulate people into liking me..."

"No, that's not it," Teacher shook his head again. "Your skill is even more subtle than that. I think...I think you inherently see the sincerity and humanity in others' souls, but you just didn't realize it until now. And I think you have an effect on those around you without meaning to. It's as if your soul draws the goodness to the surface of other souls, provided that they can feel some degree of compassion."

"That's not a very handy skill for fighting demons," Emil scoffed.

"But it is an amazing skill when it comes to protecting humanity," Teacher rebuked him, "I've never seen anything like it in my lifetime."

Tino beamed cheerfully, "That sounds a lot better than manipulation!"

"So at least one of us has a soul skill," Berwald gave a faint smile. Inwardly, he was glad that Tino had discovered his, and Teacher was right, it suited his personality perfectly. Now it was up to him and Emil to discover theirs.

**********
Present

As soon as Gilbert and Yao walked onto the fifth floor of their dorm building, Arthur and Alfred called their names and caught up with them from behind, breathing as if they had run after them. "A-are you really going to do it? Drop out of the Academy, I mean?" Arthur panted.

"How did you find out?" Yao frowned with a sigh.

"Arthur and I were standing outside the headmaster's office while you guys were talking," Alfred told them.

"Eavesdropping, huh?" Gilbert couldn't help but crack a grin.

"Well, we were going to talk to Mr. Vargas about the new assignment system, since I'm the Class A rep," Arthur explained, "But when we were about to go in, we heard about your trip to the city and the information you learned about the Garden."

"Arthur didn't want to get caught listening in, so we bailed before you guys left the room," Alfred chuckled. "So both of you are actually going north? You're leaving the Academy?"

"Yeah," Gilbert nodded sullenly, "The information brokers said there's a chance Tao's soul is in the Garden, and the only way we can find it is going north."

"But you heard the headmaster, it's like a suicide mission!" Arthur bit his lip. "I've heard that the last five teams from Venator Academy and the other nearest Academy to the east were all wiped out, save for Mr. Vargas. And he only came back because he's no ordinary hunter."

"We're no ordinary hunters, either," Gilbert shook his head. "Look, we've already made up our minds. We're going to find Tao, and Yao and I both are prepared to put everything on the line." While Gilbert did the talking, Yao looked down at his own hands quietly, and Gilbert knew Yao was still being burdened by consuming guilt. Guilt over losing Tao, and guilt over endangering Gilbert's life now, too, but Gilbert didn't care how dangerous it was. He wasn't about to let Yao do this alone.

There was a pause. Finally, Arthur sighed. "All right. When do we leave?"

"We?" Gilbert tilted his head slightly.

"Of course, Arthur and I are going with you! We want to help find Tao, too!" Alfred beamed, "You'll need our help, especially my scythe, if you're going to head north."

"No, wait," Yao spoke up, anxiously, "It's too dangerous, and I don't want anyone else to-"

But he was cut off abruptly when the door to their left swung open, and Yong Soo jumped out wearing an flabbergasted expression. Kiku stood in the doorway to their dorm, listening. "You guys are going on a quest north, and you weren't going to tell me?!" Yong Soo exclaimed. "You guys are such jerks!"

"Hold on, you aren't coming, too! It's just me and Gilbert!" Yao snapped back.

"No fair! You have to let me come," Alfred pouted. "The quest sounds like a hero's adventure! I want to help save Tao, too!"

"Yeah, there's no way you're leaving me behind!" Yong Soo affirmed. "Maybe you've forgotten, but Tao was my best friend, too. That means it's my job to see to it that he's home safe. Da ze!"

"B-but..." Yao stammered fretfully.

"You don't have to shoulder this burden on your own, Yao," Kiku said softly, stepping forward. "We're all here to help you."

"It's like Alfred said before the invasion," Arthur told him seriously, "We stick together and fight as one."

"Don't worry," Gilbert placed a firm hand on Yao's shoulder, "We've all got your back! Together, we'll bring Tao home."

"T-thank you," Yao gave a small smile, letting the tension leave his shoulders, "If you're so determined to come with me, then we leave before daybreak."

********
The sun hung low in the clear sky just as Gilbert and Elizaveta decided to call it a day and rest after two hours of training in the clearing. Even though she was already in Class A, their training sessions in the forest had become routine, and something both of them looked forward to too much to stop. Besides, there was always room for improvement, and the pair liked to try new moves and experiment with different fighting styles. Gilbert would never admit it outright, but he was proud of how far Elizaveta had come since their first lesson. She was an incredible hunter now, talented enough to rival most of her new classmates. Of course, the other Class students had endured much more experience, but that didn't shake her confidence. In fact, it only invigorated her aspirations even more, after hearing their stories about their epic assignments against major demons.

The two decided to relax under a shady tree and watch the sun sink lower towards the hills as they caught their breaths. Elizaveta laced her fingers between his and smiled tenderly. "Things have finally settled down, haven't they?"

The insides of Gilbert's gut twisted slight. He hadn't told her about the quest with Yao and the others to save Tao. She would only worry and demand that he take her with him, but the headmaster's words stilled echoed in his head. Suicide mission. No, Gilbert didn't want to endanger her any more than she already was. He knew, however, that as soon as she realized he was gone, Elizaveta would be unimaginably angry. She'd probably smack him silly with her frying pan. But that was much better than losing her to the perils of the north. If she died on this quest, he would never forgive himself, so he had no other choice. He forced a grin on his face, "Things are never settled for demon hunters."

"What I meant was, you're truly free now," she giggled. "Your soul belongs to you. I've noticed that since then, you seem more at peace with yourself."

"Do I?" he tilted his head. He hadn't really thought about it all that much.

Elizaveta nodded, "Ever since the soul deal was severed, I've noticed the change in your eyes. It's a subtle change, but I can see it. They aren't as guarded. Or as shamed." She stared into his eyes for a long, warmhearted moment, before he leaned towards her and locked his lips with hers. When she kissed back, sliding her hand around his back as he caressed her cheek with his, Gilbert's soul danced wonderfully within him. It grew lighter yet seemed to expand as his life energy swirled up in the ecstasy that her kiss endowed him with. It was indescribably awesome.

When they finally broke apart, they stayed close together for a while longer in comfortable, contented silence. A moment later, she said, "I have to leave after the sun goes down. I received an assignment earlier today. Kim and I leave tonight."

"Your first official Class A assignment," Gilbert chuckled, "I'm not worried. You have Kim with you, anyways. Kick some demon ass for me!"  Inwardly, he was slightly relieved, because that meant she would not find out about his absence until she came back from the assignment. He would be long gone by then, and she would remain in the safety of the Academy.

Elizaveta beamed back, "You bet! I'm so excited I can hardly wait!"

********
"You...you're leaving me, aren't you?"

Arthur was so startled he almost jumped and yelped as the lamp on the nightstand turned on and illuminated his dark dorm room. But he bit his lip and suppressed his shocked expression as he turned around. Peter was sitting up in his bed, clutching the blanket. The older sighed. He had thought that Peter was fast asleep. It was almost four in the morning, after all. "G-go back to bed," Arthur said to him, avoiding his cerulean eyes.

"I...I just got my big brother back! You can't leave now!" Peter shook his head, his voice shaky as if he was about to cry.

Immediately, guilt seemed to slap Arthur in the face, and he sat down on the bed next to Peter. "I'm sorry. I don't want to leave my brother twice, but...but I have to. This quest, it's very important. Yao hasn't seen his younger brother in over a year now. My friends need my help, or they might die."

"But you might die, too," Peter whispered. "Please, don't go..."

"Peter..." Arthur paused for a what felt like a long while, before saying, "I have to help them. Don't worry, the people at this school are amazingly kind. They'll take care of you until I come back."

Peter didn't answer for another extended moment, before he suddenly grabbed his brother by the shoulders, "Just promise you'll come back! I already thought you died once. Don't make me go through that again! Promise!"

At this, Arthur offered him a confident smile. "I promise. I don't plan on dying or letting anyone else die on this quest. When I return, I'll introduce you to Tao. Maybe you two can even be friends."

*********
When Gilbert arrive at the subway station, everyone bur Arthur was already there, conversing quietly. None of them carried any real luggage, just the clothes on their back and the substantial amount of money they had between themselves. Kiku, Yao, and Yong Soo also carried their weapons, but those remained in their sheaths. There was nothing else necessitated, since they could easily obtain their own food along the way, and too many items would only slow them down.

"So here's the plan so far," Yao told them, "We're going to take the subway as far north as we can, but even the last stop is a two week's journey until the northern most region. The boundary, anyway. From there...I'm not entirely sure. We still need to pinpoint the exact location of the Garden."

"We'll have to investigate when we get there," Kiku said, "It's our only option."

Just then, Arthur entered the station, mixed feelings clear present in his green eyes. Gilbert was tempted to ask him if he was all right, but he knew better. If Arthur was here, then he was set on joining them for the journey. "That's all six of us then," Yong Soo nodded, getting ready to board the subway train.

"Make that seven."

The group turned around to see Ludwig standing there, his coiled whip hanging by his side, a knapsack slung over his shoulder. His blue eyes were steely calm and serious. "Oh no, you don't," Gilbert straightened up brusquely, "You're not coming, too. Our group is already a bit too large. How did you even find out about this?!"

"Doesn't matter how I found out," Ludwig shook his head, taking another step forward. "And I'm coming whether you like it or not. You need me. There's no way your mission can succeed without a Purifying Light hunter, and you know it."

"No, Luddy, it's too-" Gilbert started, but his younger brother cut him off staunchly.

"I've already made up my mind. You can't tell me to stay put anymore, Gil," Ludwig affirmed, determined.

"He's right," Kiku exhaled, "With his Light our chances of saving Tao greatly increase."

"Not you too..." Gilbert sighed. Damn, this was the last thing he wanted. But if Kiku wanted Ludwig to tag along, that meant there was a calculated advantage. And it looked like Ludwig would not take no for an answer. Gilbert really didn't have a say in the matter this time. All he could do was protect his brother on the journey. "Fine. But on one condition, Luddy. You have to do what I say when it's an order, got it? If I tell you to run, or hide, or stay your hand, then you have to follow my order. Promise me."

Ludwig hesitated for a fraction of a second, before nodding. "I promise."

"Don't worry," Yong Soo patted Gilbert on the shoulder. "We'll protect each other, so you can count on us to keep your brother safe!"

The others began filing into the subway, until lastly Ludwig stepping into the cabin and took a seat between Gilbert and Kiku. He would miss Feliciano, of course, but the Italian would understand why he had to leave. It's my turn to keep you safe, Ludwig thought to himself silently, bruder.

*********
That same day, Ivan had not been at the Academy, or perhaps he would have learned of their quest to save Tao and tagged along. But fate would have  it otherwise, it seemed. Ivan had received an assignment from Mr. Karpusi before Gilbert and Yao had returned from the city, and had left before any chance of hearing the news of their drop out. Instead, he, Matthew, and Lars were sent to a decent sized village west of the Academy, a day's journey to get there.

Matthew appreciated the new assignment process that the headmaster had issued the week after the invasion. Mr. Vargas was impressed by the Class B students' competence and skill in handling the invaders and guarding the school, so he thought it best to let them execute more demanding assignments. Now, Class B would receive more intense assignments, and if the situation necessitated, a Class A student would be paired with the Class B student. Laura was thrilled, and Matthew knew that at the moment she was also on an assignment with her brother Francis, while Lovino and Antonio were on another. Apparently, Mr. Karpusi found this particular assignment to be trickier, so he chose two Class B students and Ivan.

By the time the three arrived in the village, it was well after sun down, and street lamps dimly lit the sidewalks, but most of the houses were dark. Most of the villagers were fast asleep, unaware of the hunters' presence.

"What are we looking for, again?" Lars frowned as they walked along the wide, empty street.

"There have been some strange occurrences here in the last few days," Matthew informed, "A couple of unresolved murders and an increase of intense psychiatric disorders out of nowhere, which is why I'm here."

"Da, and I'm here to kill a demon, but then, we don't know if there's really a demon here?" Ivan tilted his head.

"It could just be a twisted serial killer who tortures people until they're crazy," Lars shrugged.

"If that's the case, it sounds like a black soul in the making," Matthew said, "Demon or not, we still should help this village."

For another hour the trio wandered the streets, keeping a keen eye out for anything supernatural or any clues that could lead them to the killer. The chilly air nipped at their cheeks, but Ivan was wrapped in his usual cozy scarf and Lars had his white and blue stripped scarf for style and warmth. Matthew wished he had brought one as well. When they walked a little further around the corner, however, Matthew froze in his steps, and inhaled sharply.

"What is it?" Lars asked, looking around in the dark.

"I...I'm not sure," Matthew furrowed his brow. "I can feel a soul's emotions nearby. But...it's gone haywire. The emotions change swiftly within seconds, and each time they're incredibly intense." He pointed to their left, down a narrower side street. "That way."

They didn't have to travel much farther until a maniacal laughter rang out from a hidden alley way, bouncing off the wall of surrounding buildings ominously. A few seconds later, a man staggered out a couple of yards before them, laughing uncontrollably as he almost tripped over his own feet. He caught himself, and burst into a whole new fit of obnoxious guffaws. "Is he drunk or something?" Lars huffed, annoyed.

"No...his feeling are in turmoil," Matthew bit his lip, touching his hand to his forehead lightly. "It's almost painful to try to follow them."

"Another crazed victim then, da?" Ivan sighed. "Can you suppress his emotions and calm him down?"

"I'll try," Matthew said, before taking a deep breath and letting his soul's influence reach out to the man's. But as soon as he did so, he jerked backward a few steps, blinking in shock, as if something had lashed out and stung him. Suddenly, the man let out a wail and threw his head back, his eyes wild.

"What happened?" Lars questioned, startled.

"His soul's poisoned," Matthew gritted his teeth. "I can't use my soul skill while he's like that."

"So it is a demon," Ivan smirked, almost menacingly, "Interesting." With that, his eyes began to give off a slight violet glow. Once more, the man's demeanor changed, and mechanically, he turned to face Ivan.

"Tell me where the demon is," Ivan commanded. The man opened his mouth to let out another moan, but instead, with pulsation of his soul, he doubled over, gasping for breath. "I said, tell me," Ivan repeated forcefully. "I don't care if you're mentally insane, I just want an answer."

"He's so harsh," Matthew gulped quietly, while Lars just watched indifferently.

Crushed by the sheer might of Ivan's soul skill, the man's madness and willpower bent as Ivan wanted. Between the suffocating effects of the Russian's intangible power, the man raised a shaky hand and pointed in the direction where he had come. The alleyway.

Abruptly, another voice skulked out of the pitch black alley, the words themselves seeming to slide and slither across the air to reach their ears, sending shivers down Matthew's back. "More hunters, I see?" the disembodied voice cackled. "Finally! Perhaps there is a worthy soul amongst you."

Ivan released the man from his soul skill, and his irises ceased to glow. The man slouched to the ground, still dazed from the pressure of Ivan's skill. "Come out and show yourself, demon," Ivan called back.

"If that is what you wish," it chuckled. Then, a figure stepped under a street lamp, the dim light illuminating its features in the eeriest of ways. At first glance, the demon appeared to be a shirtless man, pale to the point of ghost-like and ghastly. There were thick, black circles delineated around his eyes, which were glassy and pupil-less. What was really offsetting, however, was his crooked smile, stretching across his face sinisterly. His teeth were sharp and pointed as he simpered. Down the center of his torso was a disturbing, swollen red line, almost as if it were a recent open wound, beginning to close up and heal.

"Are you the one who did this to him?" Lars demanded, gesturing to the other guy slouched on the street. "You poisoned his soul?"

The demon chuckled once more. "Yes, that was me. His soul wasn't worthy of being cultivated, so I let the insanity take him instead."

"Cultivated? What the hell does that mean?" Lars griped.

But the demon just ignored him and eyed Ivan instead, "You have a mighty soul. Strong and sturdy. But somewhat cold. Intimidating without meaning to be. Perhaps you aren't the best choice for my master." Then his gaze shifted back to Lars. "Your soul is solemn, jaded, and even a bit neurotic. Not really what I'm looking for." Lastly, the demon turned to Matthew. "And you... a calm soul, sensitive to others by nature. You don't really shine, and can even be easily missed, but there is a warmth within you."

"If you're done with this petty examinations," Ivan waved off, "I think it's time to get down to business, da?"

"If that is what you wish," the demon laughed knowingly, "Then I chose you." He pointed a pale finger at Matthew, who blinked in astonishment. "Your soul just might be worthy of residing in the Garden. I'll be taking it with me. My master will be pleased."

"I don't think so," Lars asserted. "We've fought greater demons than you!" Meanwhile, Ivan pulled out a metal pipe from within his coat, gripping it firmly. Why Ivan carried that of all weapons, Matthew would never understand, but there was no need to ask now, so he drew his own blade as Lars did the same.

"I believe you are mistaken," the demon cackled mischievously, "I am Deleritor, demon of insanity, a cultivator. I can assure you, you've never faced one like me before, hunters." As he finished speaking, strange black marks like tattoos began to form along his bare arms and along his cheekbones and under his eyes. Then the red line on his chest began to tear apart, like a wound reopening itself, the skin ripping grotesquely as it did so. But there was no blood, nor did the demon give any sign of pain.

Matthew thought he was going to be sick. The three hunters were so revolted and stunned that they could only watch in repulsion. That's when black tendrils like faceless snakes began to emerge from the would-like opening. Then, without warning, three shadowy fibers shot out from the demon, heading straight for Matthew with incredible velocity. It happened so fast, Matthew registered the attack seconds too late, leaving him no time to react.  

He flinched, shutting his eyes tight in fear as he braced himself for what was sure to be unbearable pain as the tendrils ripped his body apart for his soul. But it never came. Matthew's eyes flew open, then widened. Lars stood in front of him, hold back the three tentacle-like appendages with his sword. However, the tendrils only wrapped around his blade easily and yanked it out of his grasp, as another two launched out of the demon and grabbed Lars by his wrists, lifting up in the air. His sword was bent by the other three, as the demon narrowed his eyes. "You dare get in the way of my cultivation?! You insolent fool! You will suffer the torment of dementia for such treachery!"

"Lars!" Matthew shouted, taking up his sword, about to jump and slice the fibers, when the first three surged at him once more, forcing him to evade and check them with his own blade.

"You bastard," Ivan said coldly. "You won't get away with hurting my comrades!" He lunged at Deleritor, swinging his pipe with all his strength. The demon leapt out of the way at the last moment, while the evil fibers continued their work. Another two tendrils slithered out of his gut and tried to impale Ivan, who barely had time to dive to avoid being killed on the spot. The filaments crashed into the ground, cracking the asphalt, before quickly assailing the Russian hunter again. Ivan used his pipe to smack them both, sending them off target.

Meanwhile, Matthew succeeded in slashing one tendril, which dissolved as it tore apart under his blade. But he swiftly rolled out of the way as the other two attempted to grab him to pull him apart. He bounced back to his feet, then ducked as one rushed for his neck. However, the other was able to coil around his left ankle. Instinctively, Matthew sliced right through it, but not before it pulled him off balance. The third filament shot towards his skull instantly, and Matthew could barely try to sidestep as he caught himself to regain his footing. It was enough to avoid being stabbed through his forehead, but the pointed tendril cut his cheek as it flew by him. Immediately upon its contact with his skin, Matthew felt a influx of foreign vehemence and sensation. Like an electric shock coursing through his body, a pang of uncontrollable emotions struck his soul.

W-what is this? he thought frantically. He staggered backward woozily, taking deep breaths, trying to sort out the disturbances pulling at his soul from all directions. It was impossible to fight like this! Suddenly, dark thoughts began to make their way to the surface of his mind. Death, the ultimate freedom. Morals are only illusions, made to restraint true potential.

"Stop this!" Matthew shouted, panicked, covering his ears in vain. Why was he thinking these things?! He felt like crying and screaming and laughing all at once. He had the sudden urge to see blood split on the streets of the village. What was this?!

No, he was stronger than this! His friend were counting on him! "Emotions are my specialty," he told himself firmly, "I can control this!" At once he summoned his soul energy to the surface of his mind, clearing away those wicked thoughts and regaining his focus once more. Gripping his sword, he straightened up, just as the black fiber plunged down on him. With a yell, he swung his blade across his body, cutting right through the tendril, which melted into nothingness.

Just in time to watch another sharp tendril pierce Lars's shoulder.

"No!" Matthew cried, knowing what was about to happen next. He had figured it out too late. The demon spreads insanity by striking his victim. Even more so when the demon manages to break through the skin of his prey.

"You should thank me," Deleritor leered, "You'll be free from discipline from now on!"

The tendril dug deeper into Lars's shoulder, forcing him to let out a cry of pain. His blood dripped to ground below him, and seeped into his shirt.

Simultaneously, Ivan smashed the last tentacle that chased him with the head of his pipe, crushing it into the asphalt. As the fiber disintegrated, Ivan charged the demon while his attention was on Lars. At the last moment possible, Deleritor evaded Ivan's swing, but his pipe was able to catch one of the tendrils that extended from his chest. It dropped one of Lars's wrists that it held, and Matthew didn't waste his opportunity. There was no way he could jump high enough to reach Lars now, so, praying for a lucky shot, he threw his sword at the other tendril that still grasped Lars's other wrist. To his relief, his aim was just good enough, and Matthew ran to try to catch Lars as he fell.

Matthew miscalculated his own strength, and ended up breaking Lars's fall with his own body, but at least he didn't break any bones. Scrambling to his feet, he grabbed Lars's shoulders and searched his eyes. "Lars! Are you okay?" The insanity must be spreading already, he thought worriedly. He may have been able to fight off the insanity in his own head, but he wasn't sure his soul skill wasn't strong enough to soothe Lars's.

"That's right, hunter! Come to insanity!" Deleritor simpered at Lars triumphantly.

Instead, however, Lars's eyes fluttered open as he clutched his wounded shoulder, gritting his teeth angrily. "Damnit, that'll leave a scar," he growled. "You'll pay for that, demon!"

"What?!" Deleritor screeched in frustration, "I infected you! I even drew blood! Why? Why are you so calm?!"

"Stupid bastard," Lars spat, getting to his feet, one hand still holding his shoulder to stop the bleeding. "My soul is immune to all demon poisons."

Feeling overwhelmingly relieved, Matthew exhaled, finding it almost funny that he had forgotten his fellow classmate's soul skill in the moment of panic. Meanwhile, Ivan used the head of his pipe to crush and obliterate the last of the tendrils, then turned to the demon with somewhat gleaming eyes. "Looks like this assignment is about to be over."

"Impudent hunters," Deleritor seethed, now defenseless. "It matters not if you destroy me. There are other insanity demons that cultivate the Garden. Getting rid of me will not even amount to a minor setback for my master."

"What the hell is this garden you keep going on about?" Lars exasperated, rolling his eyes. "And what kind of demon master do you serve?"

"The likes of you would never understand such greatness," the demon spat.

"Insanity demons..." Matthew frowned. "There aren't supposed to be insanity demons in this region. They usually stay up north."

"I would have liked to stay north," Deleritor grumbled, "If it weren't for the return of that damned prince. One day we will find him and snuff out his insolence once and for all. The only one who can command fear in demons. He will pay for driving us southward!"

"Well, you came too far south, didn't you?" Ivan chuckled as he raised his pipe above his head. The demon just scowled as he brought the pipe down upon his skull and reduced him to ashes and dust.

********
The subway cabin was silent. By now, they had all fallen asleep save for Kiku, whose thoughts still swam restlessly in his head. As he watched the darkness fly by through the subway window, he recalled what Mr. Karpusi had said to  privately in the moments before he left for the subway station to meet everyone else.

"Kiku, I know that your mind is made up, and I can't stop any of you from leaving now," the Grecian instructor had said sagely, "But at least you need to know this before you depart for the north."

Kiku studied the look in his eyes, and replied knowingly, "You had a vision."

Mr. Karpusi sighed sadly, then answered, "Yes. Multiple visions. I saw a past vision, with an unseen monster shrouded in darkness, the blood of hunters spilt, and their bodies defaced. Then I saw...I saw flashes of your faces. There was pain. I saw tears, and grief."

"Did you...did you see death?" Kiku whispered, almost afraid to hear the answer.

"I-I can't say for sure," Mr. Karpusi shook his head, avoiding eye contact. "But, lastly, I saw a glimpse of a soul, one that seemed to be crying out for help. There was a spark of hope in it as well."

"Tao." Kiku's expression hardened with determination once more.

"Yes. That was all."

"Thank you, for everything," Kiku nodded. "Don't worry about us, Mr. Karpusi. We're coming home."

"I know," Mr. Karpusi gave a faint, melancholy smile as he watched Kiku head off toward the station. But what went unspoken, they both knew. Just how many of them would return with their lives?
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Lars is Netherlands, Peter is Sealand, Tao is Hong Kong, Berwald is Sweden, Emil is Iceland, Tino is Finland

I know so far Part 2 has been pretty slow, but now that I've reached this point, things can finally start rolling with the plot! I'm getting excited now that our heroes are making their way up north, and I can't wait to type up these next few chapters for you guys! That said, I hope you have enjoyed The Soul Deal so far! I'm sure some of you can already see where this is going, but I can also promise you a few plot twists along the way~

Thank you for reading, feedback is very much appreciated as always, and stay awesome! :D
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heartbreaker19's avatar
Oh thank god I got free time :meow:

I can't tell how awesome the story is going so far. I can't even let myself to sleep when I saw there's an update. Though I can't even sleep because of my school works :iconlazysulkplz:

But then, I got time so I was able to read this chapter :D

Can't wait for the next :)