Chapter Twenty-Six: The Dinner of Tenacity

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"And so, the gods look down, waiting for their opportunity to find death and love mixed within the same concoction of misery and torment. This is the meaning of life, and the absence of faith. We, the looters of justice, search for a grand escape only a master can find," Cameron said, as we took our seats. The round table was elegantly decorated, white tablecloth, and a beautiful set of colorful flowers place in the center. Orchids, roses, daisies. They made me smile.

"And we cry passionately," said Venix. "Can you stop for just one night. We're here to show off our skills in the knowledge of our lives. Not petty arguments."

Haggar, Katlen, Cameron, Venix, and myself all sat at one table. Ditto had yet to arrive, but he said he'd be here before it started. I hoped at least he would. Our table was in the middle of the enormous ballroom, at the Beth'al Center, a place dedicated to the once great Pillar member. The room was huge, and very exquisite. Gorgeous decorations, colorful paintings and rugs, handmade tapestries. And every single Kal'en professor was here presently, either watching their friends present or presenting themselves.

At the very head of the room was a long table, seating the Board of Kal'en University, and their very special guest, General Jacro, the Golden General of the Pillar. His presence this close was unnatural. He sat back as elegant and decisive as he were watching a battlefield. Why he was wasting time here and not on the front lines is beyond me.

Their table was lifted on a small stage, giving them a view of the entire room. It was rather quiet, for professors don't like noises as much as I do. The Board was talking among themselves, probably wondering when they could leave so they could ready for tomorrow, with the start of the battle tournaments.

    Those battling of course get rather nice prizes and recognition. We get money, and that's about it.

"About five more minutes until we begin," Venix said. "To think we've been doing this for how long? I'm surprised at how bored the Board is when being forced to board."

"I concur," Haggar replied. "If as though being board was too much to ask."

    Cameron nodded past me. "There's our good friend."

    I turned, and Katlen gave a small yelp. Ditto walked up, wearing a rather nice navy blue suit, no tie, and a cleanly shaved face. He actually almost looked....good.

    "Sorry I'm late. Had to really clean up before this." He took his seat, and Katlen was smiling ear to ear. "Say, what's for dinner at the Dinner of Tenacity?"

    "I do not know," I said. "It's usually a surprise."

    Others were whispering. At him, I just know. The man who defied all the odds, the man who's existence essentially is a crime in of himself. I could care less, obviously. No, that's not true. We magi are too arrogant to say such a statement. But the whispers, they were going to drive me mad. It's my research, my decision. Talk to me like an adult, not rumor like children.

    Ditto was tapping his hands together, looking at the decorations. "Huh, it's just as colorful as I'd imagine. Is the color grey in anyone's color scheme?"

    "No," we all answered simultaneously.

He laughed. "Ah. I also notice your precious Board is looking rather.....pale. I guess this is what you get when you're the starter for real entertainment."

"You're pretty observant," Haggar said. The magi was slightly cleaner, with no more dirt in his hair for once. At least visibly. "I suppose you saw the other guest?"

"Who? Jacro?" Ditto raised a brow. "He is of no interest to me."

"And why's that?" Katlen asked. "You two had some issues the other day."

"Issues only the trivial would bring back up." He took a sip of water that had been placed for us. He then smacked his lips. "Besides, I can't cause trouble. The Pillar would kill me."

    I nearly choked.

    He looked at me, then winked. "I dare say, this event does seem to be stirring up chatter. As though the winds of childish thoughts have swept in, carrying a plague of wistful surprises. Do tell, has Kal'en had some strange event begin to form within its ranks?"

    "No one likes the idea of the military getting their hands in here," Katlen said. Her hair was a rainbow for today. Bright and perfect. It was so even I had to appreciate it. "It frightens us."

    "Oh, so some contested feelings I see." The Necromancer drank more water. "Yeah, I figured. A sacred place for learning, is it not?"

    Cameron grunted, almost in amusement. "See, he understands Venix. Why can't I make arguments as such?"

    The woman rolled her eyes. Venix looked better today, as do we all. And there's a saying that the elite magi have, 'When every magi looks good, you know there's trouble'. True, in every possible sense. "Because you would probably lose to the man."

    "I mean, maybe," Ditto responded. "Oh, your bosses are going to be speaking."

    We all turned, and stared down the head table. Headmaster Julia Rethar rose, her flowing black hair and caramel skin done up for the special evening. Her lustrous water magic hovered around her in a flowing scarf. Unlike some of the other women, she was showing no cleavage, wearing a dark blue dress instead. I liked it.

    "Welcome, Professors!" she boomed, her voice reaching every corner of the ballroom. Ditto was smiling. "Thank you all for coming out to the annual Dinner of Tenacity to celebrate the Sol Tourney. The last few days are upon us, and I'd say it's been a riveting success."

    We clapped, acknowledging the past week as such. Though I didn't really experience the festivities as much. Far too loud, far too many people. I hate it, honestly, but it can't be avoided.

    "I know we've had a rather rough year so far. The threat of demons, rebels.....other things." Julia smiled brightly, almost as though she wanted to smite all of us for some reason. "But here we stand, united as one. And thanks to our now good friend General Jacro, our University will become stronger than ever."

    More claps. Ditto nodded along. "Cool. I like this dinner already."

    "So we shall start the dinner?" Julia clapped her hands, and automatons appeared, bringing out bowls of soup to begin. I smelled it from here, very rich tasking Unthi soup, made with the meat of the wandering antlered buffalo. My mouth watered. Oh, my expertise in nature is plants, and I feel nothing for eating meat.

    "Holy fuck, this smells amazing," Ditto commented.

    "And now the Fire department shall begin the talks and presentations," Julia said, looking down at Heft Laun, the magi in charge of the department. "Remember the rules. Six minutes per lecturer, while your personal department takes notes. Please speak clearly and fully."

    And so it began. I ate my soup, listening to lectures speak on fire and their properties, alchemies, and other various theories or spells. None of us were very intrigued, except for Ditto who was writing down everything being said in a journal he had produced.

    "Someone fascinated by fire?" Katlen mocked.

    "Yes. My research on the fire magics is rather limited. And the idea of being able to take a cube of fire, siphon it's power slowly to power gauntlets with runes, I find both useful and intriguing." He glanced up at the professor speaking, eyeing the projection being played behind him. "This is the difference between me and everyone else. I use a multitude of magics to fight, create, and live. You all should be taking notes as well. I mean, what happens when I make a cube of death magic, and have it power weapons?"

    Haggar went pale for a moment, before slurping on soup. "Fuck. Got me there."

    Oh. I suppose that's a good point.

    "Ooo, I like the idea of combos better. Ice and death? Fire and ice? You magi think so small. This and that, magics must be separate. Boring." The Necromancer went back into his notes, his pen flying away. "I'm curious as to what you all have to say."

    "Nothing probably of use to you," Katlen said almost too quickly. "Summoning isn't much of a practiced craft anymore."

    "I like summoning. It once helped me save a unicorn." Ditto to me almost appeared as someone who was taking everything he heard this night, and refused to give it back. "Talk about a fun weekend."

    About an hour went by, and we were onto the third department and the main course. Deep purple wine was brought out, followed by what was the most decorated meal I'd ever seen. Fresh rainbow greens underneath a finely cut gourmet steak drizzled in rich sauce. Included was a roll dusted in butter and a sweetner.

    Ditto had appeared to have died. "Finally. A meal with some bite to it."

    "What? Not used to good food?"

    He shook. "I'm usually too busy for a decent meal. This will probably be my last fancy one for a while."

    I blinked, then shivered. Was that because of war?

    "Now we'll have the Nature portion begin," Julia announced.

    Wen stood, sitting at the far end of the table. "I have high hopes for my professors. Please impress us all."

    Lo'bran was to go first, and he seemed pleased to be before everyone. The old man was a nature magi like myself, except he dealt with whole ecosystems instead of a particular field. It made him dangerous.

    "Hello. Thank you for another great year to present." And he started on his topic, how the rivers Kar and Bro, about a few miles south of here, are suffering from the poisoning from particles of metal that gets scrapped off from magic in the wind. Huh, that must have been painstakingly hard to figure out.

    I'll leave the details out, since it's pretty boring stuff for except those who study the interest. Rivers and environments are more for those who care about the future.

    He finished up, receiving claps while I stood. My turn.

    Julia announced me, and my special guest. "This one will be quite exciting, I say. As we have a special guest to join us, The Necromancer."

    Silence, in the most absolute form. Ditto coughed. "Oh. Hey, that's me."

    But before I could even move a step, Jacro was there, circling the table with every eye watching. The magi scholars were nervous, even I could tell. "Where's your sword, Necromancer?"

    "Home. A mistake I see," he said, still eating. He salted his steak some more. "You interrupted Ursula."

    He scowled, like a bad scent hit his nose. "The audacity for you to be here is beyond belief."

    "Really? How so?" Ditto sat back, lazily, intentional. "You're no scholar. I don't see your notes. Don't fool me with false notions of superiority. It's sad."

    Jacro roamed for another moment, before freezing tensely. "Bold words again, Necromancer. All you do is say bold words."

    "Bold? Is the truth really bold?"

    "You do nothing but lie."

    Ditto raised a brow at that. "And you pretend to know me? We've only met once."

    "You're filth. I do know that," Jacro hissed. "Look around. Everyone is scared of you. Afraid of your mere presence. How tragic must your life be, to have good people be afraid of you."

    "Kinda hypocritical, coming from a Pillar's boy," Ditto countered. "Oh, I'm sorry, a Pillar's bitch."

    Jacro moved real fast, getting face to face with him. "I'd  be real careful now. This isn't the place to test me."

    "I'm not doing anything wrong. Just having some fun, enjoying the free dinner." Ditto made an odd motion. "Can, like, someone do something about this? Hey Julia! Make him stop."

    The magi merely avoided her eyes.

    "Don't you understand?" Jacro asked, rather camly. "No one here wants to help you. You're alone."

    Ditto sighed. "Like normal. Fair, magi, fair. So, what is it you want? I don't enjoy being pestered when I'm eating."

    Jacro stood back, arching himself taller. Up close his hair was near bleached, so blonde I didn't know it was even possible. "How come you are here peacefully?"

    "Excuse me?"

    I wanted this to end. How dare the general intrude on my time? But I found no will to speak.

    Jacro smirked. "I've asked around. It seems you've done nothing wrong while in Kal'en. But whether that's true or not doesn't matter. You've been rather calm. So, answer me Necromancer, why are you being so peaceful?"

    What an odd question. Of all the things to be suspicious of, peace is the thing he brings up? I'd be more concerned as to what knowledge he's gathering, or the secret meeting with the rebels, or the fact he bested your soldier.

    Ditto set down his knife and fork. "Because the Pillar has me on a leash. And I'm not very good at tugging."

    The magi tisked, trying to take his words for face value. Stupid, I'd say. "I did not appreciate your appearance the other day. Nethi was disciplined for losing."

    "And should I shed a tear?" Ditto mocked. "Should I mention how I feel bad for the poor girl? Demons are great for fighting. But am I really a demon? Do demons wield swords forged from the arrogance of stupid men? Or burn the ground with a smile of pain? You misunderstand, Jacro, the measure a slapping does. Only fools treat the enemy with a heart of purity."

    I caught my breath. He just drew a line. Does Jacro admit he is a fool, whose intentions are pure, or say he is no fool with the admittance of impurity? I locked onto Haggar's eyes. He looked scared, almost ready to run. Cameron the same.

The general took a deep, controlled breath. "Do you know why I've been so successful as the leading general for the Pillar?"

"You're not the leading general. Hin'lo is, but continue."

Jacro's emotions burned, even I could feel it. But he went on. "It's because I'm able to see the game, as clear as day. The demons have no real strategies, just chaos. But those that are smart, they are tricky. It takes patience, and a good amount of timing to destroy the demons."

Ditto, for all the idiocracy he was doing, rolled his eyes. "For the love of whatever you believe in. I don't care. What do you want, you fucking over bloated neon sack of shit with wet gold dripping from the sides? I am not subject to your game. Please speak your mind already."

Not even a frown. Jacro must really be losing it. "Tomorrow is the first of the battles, right Julia?"

"Uh, yes, that is correct," she said.

"Then why not you and I give the audience a show during it?" Jacro rounded the table, going directly across from Ditto and standing over Katlen. "To see if you are worthy of the title 'Necromancer'."

"No," I whispered. "Please don't do it."

Ditto blinked. "Yeah. Sure. Why not."

He smiled. "Will this be allowed, Headmaster?"

"I don't see why we can't arrange it."

"Then let's make things interesting Necromancer," Jacro went on, an eeriness to his voice. When will the torture stop? "How about, a battle to the death? It's been such a long time since the Tourney has had such an occurrence. I mean, this is your area after all. Death."

I went and knelt by Ditto. "Don't. He's faced class one demons. He's so powerful, demons run at his name. This isn't a good idea."

The man whispered back, "And you assume the same not for me?" His head whipped up to the magi with so much radiating energy it made people sneeze. "Sure. Why not. To the death, since I got nothing better to do."

"Then it will happen," Jacro said. "Carry on, uh, Ursula was it? I'm interested in what you have to say about the Necromancer."

I was fuming. My pen was clicking furiously. Taking my time, making a scene, might as well be insulting my face. The absolute nerve, this was my time, my moment. I scratched at my arm, almost too much. Maybe Ditto should kill him.

I got up to the podium, and cleared my throat. "Hello, fellow magi. And this is what I have to say about the Necromancer."

XXXX

    The roof of the hotel had a great view of the city. True, it was low, and I could only see a little, but that's enough for a man of my tastes. Storm clouds were littering the sky, thundering, on the verge of releasing the much needed rain. Sighing, there was so much to think about and do, but my mind was simply blank. As though a freshly squeezed lemon or orange.

    A raven's caw sounded overhead, and a woman appeared beside me. Robed in black cloth, a dark hood hid a pale face with bright red eyes. A conspiracy of ravens surrounded us, one fat bird sitting on the shifters shoulders. She was smaller than me, but not by much.

    "Hello Ditto," she said, her voice smooth yet secluded. "Busy past few nights, huh."

    "Yes. Quite productive. The rains are coming," I replied, crossing my arms. Still in my rented tux, I couldn't quite bring myself to take it off. "Oh and welcome, Red Eyes. The presence of the Lady of Ravens is always appreciated."

    Red crossed her arms as well, giving me a fowl look. "I hate this Layer. There's no true darkness. Just color and light and puke. There is nothing good here."

    "I know. I'm trying to get done as fast as possible, but things are slow and dumb."

    "Better than fast and stupid," she said. "That's how mistakes are made."

    True. Lessons to be learned from those with wings to fly on. Sometimes we forget what it's like to be anything but grounded. I adjusted my sleeve. Alright, I must admit, this was a pretty good suit. "I have sent out my ghosts as well, and am not finding anything useful. No fatatics, no armies other than the normal. And I don't possess the power to get close to the Pillar."

    "Nor do I." Red scratched her raven's beak. "North America is a mess. More cities are under siege, Tyrion is causing so many problems, and the National Council does almost nothing. It's starting to spread across the entire continent too."

"And South and Latin?"

"Armies are being built. The fanatics you spoke about. Being brainwashed to serve the Mother and her alone."

I growled lowly. "Still no angels either?"

"No."

"Where the hell are they?" I wondered aloud. "What are they doing? If they cannot be predicted, than I'm at a lost."

"I need more time," I whispered. Life is complicated, no doubt about that. "The rebels are my only way to build an army quickly, that isn't dead. But they're so scattered. It doesn't help I'm not trusted either."

Red gave me a dismissive hand. "Know I will do what I can. I have picked my side."

"What of your brother? What side has he chosen?"

"The Witch."

I nodded. "Alright. What of the others? Do you know?"

"It appears some of the ones you've contacted have sided with you. A few others are undecided. And then there are the ones who've joined the Witch."

"Who knows I'm the opposition?"

The Lady gave a crude smile. "From what I've gathered, the ones you've asked for help. It doesn't appear the Witches allies know you are against her."

"I am curious as to why."

"Probably because the higher ups don't know your title."

Huh. Didn't think about that possibility. Maybe since I'm so unimportant, they failed to mention me to the others. Then let's see how far this will go.

"Our Councils are starting to form, and I'm afraid we're lacking in resources."

"Very much so," Red said. Her features were neutral, but I saw the tension. The wheels turning in preparation for battle. "What's with the human? Is she special?"

"More special than you could believe."

Now she nodded. "Then I will watch over her as well. The magi are boring. But if the human is near you, then I bet I will be more entertained."

The laughter rolled off my lips, and in the moment I forget what it was like to be alive. "Tell me Red, am I too bold?"

"That's what your friend said earlier." She moved slightly, looking like a blur, a shadow. Imitation at its finest. The Lady of Ravens almost cawed. "Sure. The others don't start wars all too often."

"The first I've ever been in."

"Also the first you've started. And you're young still."

"You're just as young as me, so I don't want to hear it," I said. "Am I even doing it right? How does one start a war? The Hidden have so many versions, so many guidelines, it's hard to figure out the right one."

"The humans would just murder someone in cold blood to get things going."

"We're better than that." My hand stroked my now hairless chin. "Say, what is Huna doing to mobilize? Simply sending fae?"

"More or less. Also a few sky outposts."

"Ew."

Red shrugged unapologetically. "There's only so much I can do."

"I regret pissing her off," I muttered.

"And everyone else you've ever pissed off?"

"Meh. They're not as dangerous as the Fae Queen."

Silence struck us. Not in an awkward way, but in a comforting way, like we were protecting each other from the evils of words. Oh yes, words are so primarily evil, for they care little if you weep at their meaning. They also care little from your cheers, giggles, and whatever pitiful emotions you're bound to have before death.

Not as though I cared.

"This solidifies you, then," Red said quietly. "After what transpires here, we are going to follow you now. War is your coming of age. Sad, tragic, but the truth we all silently agree to."

"There was no one better to find? Is war really what you want out of a person as a qualifier?" If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that if a man of war is in charge, there is no place to go but down. "I feel mistakes are being made."

"So what if they are? No one else is better for the job, in all honesty."

"Even Tyrion or Huna, who both have massive age differences over me?"

"Especially them," Red said in disgust. "Those two have never cared about anything but themselves. In fact, I'd say your presence probably scares them the most."

"They know though. They know what I am."

Red sorta half-shrugged. "As I said, scared."

I spat, the wind sending my spit off into the distance. Gross. "Flattery at its best. Once we have gathered, I suspect everything will go smoother. Until then, the work of the tired goes on."

Red's ravens began to flap their wings, cawing up a storm. What is it, pretty birds? What is it you know, that we cannot see?

"You're friends, are they willing to fight in war?" she asked. The way of the raven. Asking the questions you don't want to answer, but must if you wish to hear what the raven has to say. For it's mind it will speak, even with silence. "Will they die by your side?"

"Willing? Yes. Sasha has already done so much. She will not quit now." I paused, then went on. "Die? If I can help it, they will live to see the morning."

"Noble." Red's, um, red eyes glowed dangerously, as if triggered by the sights around her. "My brother, Ditto, is not an easy shifter to kill."

"Yes, I'm aware after our few brief encounters."

"However, you can easily kill him." She licked her lips. "I'd prefer if you didn't be the one to end his life."

"And if he gets in my way?"

"Then he made his choice."

Fair enough. "Alright. I'll do my best. Being the generous man I am, he'll get a warning if we meet up."

She chuckled. Rare, for the Lady. "Tell me--the Pillar, can they raise an army great enough to beat us if they're corrupt?"

"Maybe. Depends how deep their corruption goes." I chewed my lip, feeling for some blood. Enough has been drained, but enough is never enough. "The Pillar doesn't rule the entire Layer. Most of it, yes, but some continents are basically under the watch of a Tower. Or nomads, those that remain."

"Can you, for like a brief solid moment, actually confirm if we have even a remote chance of winning?"

"You ask too much," I said. In the name of history, there is no such thing as an easy answer. But leaders try anyway. "Yes. There's a chance only if fanatics are worse than zombies for a fight."

"I highly, highly doubt that."

"Hmm, you don't know me. You don't know my skills."

Red was fighting a smile. Difficult always trying to pretend you're devoid of emotions all the time. I liked Red, a good kid, a good person to have by your side. True, she was dark and lonely, yet we all are deep down. The only difference between her and the rest of the world is she keeps the real important emotions where no one can get them.

A drop of water hit my face. I cringed. "Fuck."

"I will be going then. Good luck to us, I suppose."

"Good luck, Sunshine, don't die please."

Her head swivled, and I saw a hint of amused rage. "Don't ever call me by my real name again. Bye for now, Death."

She shifted, and the conspiracy of ravens left in a blur of darkness.

Tugging at my sleeves, I turned and went for the stairs heading back inside. Halina was in our room, bored and alone, probably thinking about the world around her. But soon I'd have to tell the truth, like the monster I am. Nothing is as important as victory. Costs mean little, price means naught. The thought of losing something or someone special does not sit kindly within my stomach however. I can't doubt the truth, it's impossible. A lot of good people are dead because of me already, and a lot more are going to perish due to my hand. Don't think about it too much, don't dwell on the topic. Cross that bridge when you arrive.

The rains would fall soon, and I refuse to get wet by choice. Thunder boomed off in the distance.

Thanks for reminding me how the essence of time works.