60 Animas (2/2)
”Still. Fuelling your existence with the essence of thousands will draw the eyes of the Avarian Council. They won't let you live.”
”It was your spell Master Morales.” Kazimierz tapped his nose twice. He grinned like a child with a secret. ”Their scrying won't penetrate this city. You saw how the Soul Rend affected the energy distribution last time, let alone now that the spell was cast once more.”
”So you get away just like that.”
”You made us after all. We just wanted freedom. You Imperials should understand that best of all.”
”I didn't bind you.”
”An accident. True.” Kazimierz waved at the surrounding ruins. ”Still, we deserved to be free.”
Nikolai's True Imperial blood thrummed in agreement, at least acknowledging the desire.
He clenched his trembling hand tighter, letting the song from the focus calm his mind. Even though it was responsible for everything, Nikolai couldn't hate it. It was only doing what it was designed to, and deep down some part of him wanted to experience the rush of power from the focus once more.
The final wisps of smoke were absorbed and Kazimierz snapped his fingers, summoning clothing in a burst of fog. He faced his companions, and they tilted their heads as if they could hear him speaking. In a few moments they all summoned clothes and armour, complimenting each other on their appearance. Nikolai grimaced hopelessly at the sight. Even if the power of an Anima was divided amongst them, he feared they would bring untold destruction wherever they went. They were a threat to the Empire if not everything with a soul. His knowledge of ancient creatures was limited, but as far as he could remember; creatures based on souls required constant streams of soul essence to maintain coherence. Nikolai regretted his indifference to his Master's lectures on the subject. It was the old Mage's field of expertise.
”What will you do now?” Nikolai's question left the hall in stunned silence. The humans-turned-Anima looked to Kazimierz for guidance and Nikolai's eyes glinted at the motion, but he grunted in frustration after a moment. It looked like time was needed for them to realise their independence and break away from their reliance on the will of Kazimierz. A weakness which could be exploited.
If he had the strength.
”Whatever we want.” Zebreski chortled at Kazmierz' response and squeezed his hand in appreciation. How those two developed any sort of affection in their time together as a conglomeration of souls was astonishing, but the death-grip Zebreski had on Kazimierz was a clear indicator of their relationship. Kazimierz waved his hand and pulled a small leather book from some artificial pocket. He weighed it for a moment, eyes flashing in thought before tossing it at Nikolai's feet. ”As promised, my research journal on Stardust. You should be able to find whatever you need in it.”
”That's it?” Lucas frowned. ”We're letting him go?”
”I promised him.”
”He caused all of this. We were bound to this Fates cursed city because of him.” Lucas' voice rose with each word until he was roaring in anger. ”You told us that only he has the ability to deal with us now. We should eliminate him.” The humans glared at Nikolai suspiciously, fear flashing in their eyes. Nikolai adjusted his grip on the focus and reached out to draw energy to cast some spells, grimacing at the trickle which passed through his ravaged body. He didn't think there was any way to survive an attack in his condition, but it was better to do something than sit quietly and wait. It was doubtful they would believe him if he claimed to have no thoughts of dealing with them when he recovered.
”Stand down Lucas.” The hall seemed to tremble under Kazimierz' presence and Lucas cowered under his glare for a moment. The burly man took a deep breath and raised his eyes, glaring at Kazimierz while summoning a flaming greatsword into his hands.
”You can't dictate what I do Kazmierz. Not anymore.”
”I'm not, but I will keep my word. We can't be careless about things like this anymore.” They locked eyes for a moment and Lucas stepped back, muttering under his breath. Nikolai chanted quietly while they were distracted, a spark of flame lighting up on his finger that grew with every passing second.
”No Kazimierz. We have to…” Deep black lines sliced through Lucas, shredding him in an instant and turning his body into a hissing mist. The reformed Anima's burst into motion, summoning weapons and magic even as Seven stepped through the smoke, dark magic oozing from his daggers. Unconcerned by their sharp glares, Seven moved in front of the broken throne, eyes flickering as he gauged the threats in the room.
”It would seem that we don't have any choice.” A small grin played across Kazimierz' lips and he waved to gather the smoky remnants of Lucas beside him.