Anna Alexander: Master of the void. Part II

Who was he? A hero, a villain, a madman? It didn’t matter. Now he was just ash, a particle of scorching earth, no more than a memory fading in the whirl of time. His story, never fully told, was cut short, like a thread severed by the merciless blade of fate. And only one question remained, echoing in the silence: who’s next? Who will dare to challenge the flames, knowing that only oblivion in that very furnace awaits them?

A question without an answer, like life itself, full of hopes and disappointments, victories and defeats, love and hatred. And all of this for what? For a moment of glory, for the illusory hope of immortality?

– Sanavar, Sanavar! – the half – people screamed for their leader and master.

– You can forget about that filth; it’s gone! – Babkar Seney cut in.

At that very moment, Anna flickered like a sunbeam caught in the air and began to melt. She cast a fleeting glance at Azazel, then at Mark, and at everyone else who was near her.

The Likki dissolved into the night one by one, like tiny insects, scorched by the blazing flames of the fire. From the west, a gusty wind burst in, tearing through the space with furious blasts, as if reminding that this story could have had a different ending.

– Anna, are you leaving us?! – Ruvars exclaimed bitterly

– I can’t stay, I’m still there… I haven’t returned to you yet… – the girl replied sadly.

– I will help you, I swear on my life, I will bring you back forever! – Ruvars exclaimed, clenching his fist.

She approached him and, as if in a dream, raised her hand to his cheek. The girl took a deep breath, and her palm, soft and warm, touched the demon’s face.

Enchanted by this gesture, he in turn touched her hand. His heart thudded so violently, it felt like it wanted to burst out of his chest, as if counting its final moments.

– I will always be near, here… – Anna whispered, pointing to his heart.

Ruvars froze. He wanted to preserve the warmth of her touch forever, to carry it through millennia, knowing that such a moment might never happen again.

– The Root of the Sun is just the first step on my path to return. You have a sage – listen to him! – said Anna, and she dissolved into the air.

Following her, Likki disappeared as well. They turned into nothing, like snow under the hot sun. One by one, the beings vanished into oblivion, from which there is no return.

Azazel drooped again, while the brothers whispered among themselves…

– She still managed to stand against such power, and all alone?! – Alan replied to his brothers in astonishment.

Ruvars kept his eyes fixed on the sage, who was also watching him from beneath his brow. Rage bubbled within the demon, threatening to turn him into a monster, but he restrained himself, knowing that Anna would not have liked it.

– So, sage, the floor is yours. We’re listening! – Ruvars commanded, turning crimson with anger.

Babkar Seney became flustered. He didn’t want to reveal his true nature to his brothers, but knowing that Ruvars already knew the truth, he decided to resort to cunning. He chose to give him the right to choose, in order to avoid a responsibility that would cost dearly in the future!

– We can go down to your abode and continue searching for a way to bring Anna back, or the honorable Joe can lead us to his circle, where, with the permission of the great Samael, we can obtain the Root of the Sun, – Mark replied, appearing as a sage.

– Not we, but I! – Ruvars couldn’t contain his anger, and the earth trembled at his words.

– Of course, you. After all, only you are allowed to be chosen beside Anna. Another being will not be able to tame her and… – Babkar Seney tried to continue.

– Enough words and empty chatter! Enough smoke and mirrors! And don’t even think about tricking me, I know who you really are! – Ruvars cut him off, looking at the considerably sweat-soaked sage.

Ruvars flapped his wings and vanished into a haze of strange smoke that had never been here before. He flew, lost in memories of Anna. No one else mattered, only the girl and her fleeting touch.

– Oh, Anna! If only I could see you one more time! – Ruvars repeated with a voice full of longing.

He landed on a huge rock that loomed like the tongue of a monstrous beast and looked at his hand. Closing his eyes, the demon involuntarily sighed, recalling her touch. Like a dying bird, Anna begged to be saved from oblivion. But for now, Ruvars was powerless. Possessing such authority and strength, he understood he was unworthy of her, and only thoughts of Anna were a healing balm for him.

“You will come back, Anna. I promise you, even if I have to go back myself!” – Ruvars whispered to himself.

A dead silence hung over the area where the younger of the brothers, the one who knew no mercy, was located. On the horizon, all that remained of the once chanting Likki was a shimmering mirror, casting metallic reflections. Ruvars was already about to leave, but something made him move closer. He slowly spread his wings and leisurely flew up to the enormous mirror that resembled the sun.

Peering into it, he saw four men in strange clothes, who posed no threat at all.

– You… What are you doing here? – Ruvars asked Zumo, who turned at the sound of flapping wings.

– Oh, master! We stayed here because that girl turned us into mortals! We didn’t disappear along with Likki, but got stuck between worlds! Now we can’t see a way out of this cursed item! – Zumo replied.

Ruvars extended his hand to him. The man stepped out of the mirror and greedily inhaled the air. It was as if he woke up from a bad dream, seeing how beautiful the world around him was, and most importantly – he could breathe here!

– Sanavar kept saying that the air is dangerous for us! – Zumo suddenly said.

– Dangerous? But did he explain exactly how? – Ruvars asked.

– No. He said the air is mixed with poison, which is not suitable for us, half – wolves! – Zumo replied.

Ruvars was silent for a while, and then extended his hand to him again. He felt the other’s strength and read his thoughts, realizing that Zumo was not just a survivor, but a true warrior who could be useful on the journey to Anna.

– How are you feeling? Is the air suitable for you and your friends? – asked Ruvars, nodding in their direction.

Zumo burst out laughing, but the laughter immediately turned into a relentless cough. Could it be that everything he had been told about the outside worlds was just a lie to keep the Likki in eternal fear?

– I am entirely at your disposal, as are my comrades… You can count on us! – Zumo replied with unwavering confidence.

Ruvars was struck by his sincerity. A demon, accustomed to seeing only brute strength in beast-like creatures, now saw before him a being free from the bonds of deception.

“Could freedom really transform one’s essence like this?” – the demon asked himself, then answered them:

– You are free! And I don’t need help; I can handle it myself, after all, am I not a demon? – Ruvars snapped.

– A demon with a human heart? – Zumo said in surprise.

Ruvars didn’t like this question, but he knew he had to insist on his point. Dangers lay ahead, and he didn’t want Zumo and his friends to suffer because of him.

– You can disappear, go back to my brothers! They hold trials for beings like you! – Ruvars said harshly.

Zumo laughed again. His laughter was so sincere and carefree that Ruvars realized – this warrior feared nothing.

– I have been the commander of the Likki for many centuries; I am not afraid of the underworld! – Zumo replied with irony.

Ruvars paused. Why now, when he was himself drowned in anger and cruelty, did this person, one of the Likki, decide to help him? The demon desperately struggled with his inner conflicts, trying to find answers worthy of his status as a lord of darkness.

– How did you realize that I have a heart? – Ruvars suddenly asked.

– I can feel it. And your hands are human! Our previous masters didn’t allow us to feel warmth, but now I can sense the blood flowing in you. But you will remain who you are; you will no longer serve your family! Now you are a human, Master of the Void, the master of the girl who saved us, and I am ready to help her, even at the cost of my own life. And my words are not empty promises! – Zumo replied firmly.

The words of commander Likki struck Ruvars right in the heart. It was as if he had awakened from a centuries-long sleep. The demon wanted to thank Zumo for opening his eyes. Through his breath, he passed a fragment of his strength, wisdom, and cunning to him. The warrior, hardened in battles, was now endowed not only with the physical power of dark matter but also with craftiness. Noticing the transformation of his friend, the trio loudly celebrated his change.

Zumo looked at his comrades as if they were the most loyal friends and servants. He knew that his next step needed to strengthen their friendship, leaving no room for disagreements.

Turning away from his friends to speak with Ruvars, he asked him to share part of his power with them. Ruvars agreed immediately. They stood facing each other, illuminated only by the faint light of the dying semblance of the sun above, their faces scarred and marked by long years of battles, showing a mix of wonder and awe. Each of them, hardened by countless battles, had witnessed many miracles, but Zumo’s request, spoken in a quiet and confident voice, caught them off guard.

Without a word, Ruvars extended his hands, and in his palms, a soft white light flickered. It was as if he were weaving threads of energy, shaping them into invisible bonds connecting him to each warrior. The feeling of warmth and strength that surged through their bodies was indescribable. They felt their muscles grow stronger, their senses sharpen, and their minds filled with clarity. It was not just an increase in physical strength; it was a touch of the very source of life itself.

The warriors received the gifts with awe, as an initiation into a new, higher rank. They understood that this was not merely a gift, but a tremendous responsibility. The power given by Ruvars obliged them to be even more vigilant, even braver, and devoted to the common cause. And they swore to justify the trust placed in them by protecting him and the girl until their last breath. A new spark of hope ignited in their hearts, and they were ready for the trials ahead like never before.

All four, after exchanging meaningful glances, looked at Ruvars. They made a unanimous decision to go all the way. After all, unity is not only mutual attraction in the course of interaction, but also the ability to save the girl from the captivity of oblivion, to prove to oneself that it is possible to rise from any state, head held high, without bowing to anyone.

Chapter 8.

Zumo’s return to life

Ruvars was pleased to see that his actions brought smiles, that his existence in Anna’s world caused no harm to anyone. Now he was helping more than taking, and that suited him. The struggle between good and evil was increasingly leaning toward the light and honest, rather than the dark and calculating. Ruvars was becoming human, and it was changing his inner world.

– Today we must be in my world, but it will be difficult for you to get there. I will leave you here with my brothers and Azazel, but I will definitely come back for you, I promise! – and he suddenly fell silent.

He wanted to talk about his plans related to Anna but said something completely different:

– Our journey will begin soon. Get ready, because someone will have to stay in the world of my family. And if anyone still has doubts, now is the time to speak up!

All four exchanged glances. Their eyes were fixed ahead; they did not look back.

Zumo was glad that his existence had not ended with Likki’s disappearance, that he remained useful to Ruvars on his journey to Anna. Zumo’s fearless friends were also pleased, since such an opportunity does not come often.

Suddenly, Ruvars disappeared. Joe vanished right after him. The valiant four stood next to Babkar Seney and Azazel, looking around, feeling the approach of something powerful.

Within minutes, a lion’s roar and a bear’s growl could be heard from a low hill. All of this was accompanied by the eruption of bright orange flames, carried by a serpentine dragon with long whiskers.

– We were just missing him! – exclaimed Azazel.

The four lined up, ready to take the hit, but upon seeing the monster’s enormous size, they stepped back. And it wasn’t out of fear, but because Zumo had read the thoughts of his new master – this creature was his “pet”.

– Is this the Triiter? – Zumo immediately asked.

Azazel looked closely into the commander’s eyes, hoping to get an answer.

– How do you know his name? – she asked, slightly changing her expression.

Everyone was waiting for a response from Zumo, but he decided to remain silent, for not all words need to be spoken aloud.

– Don’t be angry, miss, but I didn’t know either! – Zumo fibbed.

Sometimes Zumo felt Ruvars’ thoughts so clearly, as if they were echoing in his own mind, sensing his torment and anxiety over the fleeing girl, the agonizing longing for freedom from familial ties, the long-awaited touch of the earth. Ruvars unleashed a whole torrent of emotions on him, up to searing rage, but the true depth of his feelings for Anna the demon kept sealed under a great secret. He feared to frighten away the fragile, almost unreal happiness trembling in his hands like a butterfly.

Intrusive thoughts about the girl prevented him from focusing on the plan for her liberation. Ruvars could not make himself move forward, destroy the wall he had so long built around his feelings. He wanted to act immediately, but the fear of making a fatal mistake that would forever distance Anna paralyzed him. After long torment, Ruvars made a decision – to move forward without waiting for mistakes from his countless enemies.

The experience he had gained as the master of one of the circles of the underworld gave him at least some measure of support. The demon could not shake the thought that Anna might be reborn as Agrat, the second goddess of death after her mother, and it tormented his entire being.

– What if Anna becomes cold and distant toward me and all living things? – he aloud voiced his most terrible question, and a fury rose within him with relentless force.

He imagined her sitting on a throne, watching over the endless stream of souls that had only a few hours left to exist, and this vision sent shivers through him.

A silence fell over the area where Zumo and his friends were, as well as Azazel, Babkar Seney, and Triiter (the brothers had also disappeared), deafening and all – encompassing, comparable only to the stillness of the heavens, where the loudest sound is considered to be the song of angels. In the distance, hurried conversations could be heard from Likki who had appeared from nowhere, as if in a rush they had forgotten their rags, and then, grabbing their tattered garments, disappeared into the air again…

A sense of unseen danger hung in the air. Everyone present felt someone’s invisible presence, something alien and hostile. Neither Triiter nor the enemy hordes in their most terrifying form could compare to this threat looming over the fearless warriors. The past receded, giving way to a disturbing premonition. Their intuition told them that this feeling had not appeared by chance.

At some point, each of them turned inward and felt their vulnerability, the power of their fears – the most dangerous chains for living beings striving toward their goal. Everyone carries a fear of something or someone unknown, but not everyone is ready to admit it to themselves.

The same happened to our heroes, rushing forward but looking back, not in search of a physical threat, but in an attempt to see in the mirror of the soul that hidden fear, that unrealized fear of themselves, their desires, and aspirations.

– I am destined to return to my ancestors! – Ruvars suddenly said, appearing out of nowhere once again.

Around them, a whirlwind of falling souls rose, spinning in a mad vortex, as if greeting his departure into the world of the ancestors.

– My ancestors set a condition, and by fulfilling it, they will help free Anna from captivity. As for me, if it is my fate to return, then I will return! So, Azazel, be with Anna when she returns; she will need help! – the demon looked her straight in the eyes.

Azazel could see how seriously Ruvars took his words and actions, how honest he was with himself and with others. The girl had witnessed many changes, but she had never seen such a transformation in a demon.

In the blink of an eye, Ruvars’ brothers appeared, as if invited to an unknown celebration for no one. They stood motionless, like giants studying those present.

Immediately, Ruvars bowed to Azazel, and, surveying those around him, prepared to flap his wings, but suddenly he felt a light breeze. He caught a familiar scent, the smell of the one who lived in his heart day and night. He inhaled it deeply, unable to get enough of it.

– Anna! – he whispered, and flapped his wings, ready to fly at the call of that scent, but suddenly he felt a touch on his shoulder.

– Stop, doesn’t rush. Haste is a bad advisor, – he heard a soft voice.

Ruvars slowly turned and saw a spectral figure beside him. He faced it and reached out his hand.

– Hasn’t your past experience taught you that I am dangerous to you? – the girl said quietly, smiling faintly.

– Let me touch you, – he said.

– You might get hurt! I don’t want to cause you pain! – the girl said, stepping back.

– I am not afraid of pain, neither physical nor any other! – the demon replied firmly.

Anna absorbed all the power into herself, not revealing it to others. She saw Mark, lost in his thoughts, Azazel, looking sadly into the void and not noticing her, and the rest of those present, who also saw nothing.

– Apart from you, no one else can see me, not even Babkar Seney and your brothers! Only you can see me! – Anna asked in astonishment.

– That’s right, only I can see you! – the demon confirmed with a smile.

Everything around grew so quiet that the stars in the twilight sky chimed like billions of crystal bells. The demon understood that around him reigned chaos, unimaginable and sorrowful.

– But your brothers are just as strong as you… Why don’t they see me?! – the girl asked, puzzled.

– They are strong, but not like you and me. We have a special destiny and a special bond. We feel each other, and it doesn’t pass us by… We are meant to go through life together, and for that, I am returning to the source to bring you back! – Ruvars replied.

– No. There is no way back! You shouldn’t do this, and you won’t! – the girl answered sharply.

Ruvars shuddered at her words as if he were tasting a forbidden fruit. The demon was sure he was doing the right thing, but Anna awakened old feelings in him – doubt and uncertainty.

– But Anna, I have to rescue you from… – Ruvars didn’t finish.

– You don’t owe me anything, but listen to my advice – don’t go back there. There is no return from there, – the girl’s voice sounded sad and commanding.

– But there’s no other way, Anna! The Root of the Sun can’t be obtained otherwise, – Ruvars replied sadly.

– There is always a way, and you’ll find it soon! – she smiled in response.

At that moment, Triiter, like a loyal dog, rushed to his master. The creature lowered its three heads and, seemingly happy about the meeting, pressed against Ruvars’ hand.

– Triiter, buddy! I’m so glad to see you! – the demon replied.

Triiter glanced toward Anna, at the pale glow, at the energy she radiated, and snorted.

– You see her too? – the demon asked.

Triiter shook his heads in agreement, stamped his many feet, and turned back to Ruvars.

– Thank you, my friend, for protecting her for us! You’ve never let me down! – Ruvars said again, warmly.

Triiter shook his heads again, as if in an endless loop. He enjoyed his master’s praise and lay down at his feet, pouring a stream of boundless love, loyalty, and energy onto Ruvars.

The demon felt that there was a being next to him created in his likeness, for he himself was of the same kind.

Anna, slowly levitating, floated up to Triiter and gently stroked his heads, expressing her endless gratitude. She knew that one day Triiter would become something more than just a three – headed creature, and the thought made her smile involuntarily.

The beast made a sound more like a purr than a menacing roar, as if sinking into a brief bliss.

At that moment, Azazel, having come to, also saw Anna and immediately rushed toward them.

– Anna! – she shouted at the top of her lungs.

Triiter and Ruvars turned around. The beast assumed a menacing appearance, but Azazel was not afraid, knowing that help would always come to her.

– Triiter, don’t scare her! She’s our friend and won’t harm us. Be as kind to her as you are to me! – Anna replied to her faithful friend.

The monster bowed in agreement and stepped back. Azazel was able to come closer and, as if enchanted by what was happening, didn’t notice where Anna had gone.

– Where is she?! – she asked the demon and his fierce creature.

– You won’t see her until she wants to! I think you’ll need to wait a little, – Ruvars replied.

– Wait? Wait again?! – Azazel said through her tears.

– Exactly. Patience is the greatest of human virtues! – the demon answered calmly.

Triiter approached Azazel. Ruvars and Anna watched silently. The creature recognized a friend in the girl and, understanding her grief, decided to comfort her. The monster lowered its heads to her feet, and the serpent-shaped dragon purred a melody similar to human singing and began to soothe her.

At that moment, Anna’s silhouette appeared for a brief instant, and Azazel saw her friend.

Anna! How beautiful you are! – she breathed.

Ruvars was astonished to witness what was happening. Anna smiled and, looking into the distance where her brothers stood, along with Zumo and friends and Mark in the guise of Babkar Seney.

– My time has come! I must finally leave! – the girl said calmly.

Triiter howled like a beast that had broken free, while Ruvars sank into deep silence.

– So soon? Why now of all times? – the demon asked sadly.

– You’ll find out soon enough, but only if you listen to me! – Anna replied, and then she disappeared.

Ruvars seemed to fall into worry. He looked around, called for Anna, but it was all in vain. The girl vanished into the sands of time, turning into dust once more, while the demon wandered like a madman in search of her and in search of answers to questions related to the Root of the Sun.

– We need to create a council of those elders who still remember the past. I ask you, Nestor, take care of this! – Ruvars asked his brother.

Nestor was surprised by his request. He nodded in agreement and rose on his halo downward.

He didn’t understand why Ruvars wanted to convene a council that had neither the knowledge nor the means to obtain or provide him with the Root of the Sun. After all, the family knew where to search for it and whom to ask, yet Nestor could not refuse to help his brother.

Meanwhile, Zumo and his friends headed to Ruvars and informed him that an age – old battle had begun with the ancestors who were against him. They explained that the entire brotherhood of elders, not just some of them, had learned about the transfer of power to Anna and were planning to destroy their descendant.

Hearing this, Ruvars seemed to immerse himself in the past, convincing himself that he should have negotiated differently or overthrown all his ancestors, one by one.

– You’ve worked well, friends! Now it’s our turn to take steps toward a peaceful or hostile resolution regarding my family! – Ruvars suddenly replied to them.

Zumo perked up. He had long awaited retribution for those who torment and betray their own, preventing Ruvars from freeing Anna. The ancestors feared her return… They knew she would turn their remnants into angels!

In the area where these events were taking place, strange changes began happening again. Fire and black rain once again colored the landscapes around them. The ground trembled, foreboding nothing good, while the sky, like the canvas of a mad artist, filled with crimson streaks. The air, once clean and fresh, was now saturated with the smell of sulfur and smoldering embers, causing nausea and dizziness.