Chapter 43:
Cleaning House
(Nick's POV)
There was a coldness to the air, and yet a familiar warmth filled my heart. Within these walls, as I walked across the cobblestone path across the courtyard which greeted me, I felt a sense of nostalgia mixed with the bittersweetness of resentment.
Golden leaves grew upon the columnar trees which lined the road I walked. It was once a glorious approach that many dignitaries of the Fae world took on their way to the Palace. Their carriages and steeds would roll down the thoroughfare to approach the circular roundabout before the doors leading into the main building of the Palace.
A once gorgeous pool of water sat in the center of the roundabout. It was a pleasant sight for those visiting. Its once pristine, clear water now nothing but a murky mess of stagnant liquid. It broke my heart to see this place in such disrepair.
I took a moment to appreciate everything as the resentment settled into my heart. It was such a contradictory feeling that I really had to take the time to look around and center myself. The cobblestones which were once pristine and gleaming were now dull and overgrown with weeds that pushed through the cracks. Those columnar trees had become strangled by the hedges which had completely grown out of control. The once well-trimmed and maintained grass was wild and untamed.
The Palace itself was a series of buildings connected via covered pathways that were held up by beautiful, elegant arches of stone. They, too, were overgrown with vines that crept up and around the pillars and balustrades. Towers rose up into the sky with various walkways and paths connected each of them. It was a series of interconnected hallways and rooms with a very regal style to everything.
It was a fusion of Gothic meets Elven Architecture with a natural touch splashed in. Of course, as my assessment of everything showed, the natural aspect of the Palace was out of control. It was in disarray, and that is where my resentment came from. Resentment towards myself for the neglect I had given to the place I once called home. A home that I had shared with the love of my life, Calli.
"Nature is as wild as it is beautiful," I muttered, admiring, despite the unkempt growth, the stunning nature of the Palace, "However, I cannot allow you to continue. This is my home."
Taking in an extremely deep breath, my chest swelled with power before I released it upon the area. Exhaling, a wind filled with my intent blew from me, pushing back the stale air and the aura of corruption which permeated my home. The excess growth was cut away by the biting winds and made to flourish once again in proper fashion.
For there to be growth, there could not be death. Its very nature was choking itself. Unregulated and unchecked, even Nature could be a harm to itself. It was foolish to believe that Nature simply relegated itself. That was the job of the Fae and of Gaia who was guided by those tied to them. Just another lie believed by the Mortals.
The wind continued to surge forth, cleansing the waters of the pool and mending cracks in stone where it had begun to fall apart. Once the wind settled, I took another, calmer breath this time as I savored the sweetness which now filled the air. All color had returned to this area of the Palace, but there was much still yet to do...for I sensed life approaching from several directions.
I stood in the center of the cobblestone road, now free of the weeds and overgrown grass, awaiting those who had come to greet me. I could already feel the touch of Hell upon them. It did not surprise me, as above the arched roofs of the various buildings, through the arched colonnades and cloisters, came minions of Hell. Devils and Demons, some winged, others not, yet all held wicked visages.
"Damn," I muttered, looking upon them bearing down with me, a little disheartened, "And I had just repaired the place..."
I saw among their ranks Succubi, Imps, Gremlins, Hell-touched Faeries, and Cambions. There were several Hellhounds which barked at their side, running along with their masters on the ground. There were at least twenty of them in total, maybe more, but the numbers didn't matter.
What mattered is that they were comfortable here. I could see it in them. They had dwelled here for a while. Living within the vacant halls, though I suppose they weren't so vacant if they had been living here. No, it hadn't been vacant at all.
"You come into my home..." I said quietly, anger welling inside of me, "You take what isn't yours and you...defile it!"
I roared out to them, the resentment I felt towards me, now aimed towards them. They had lived here, eaten here, slept here, and they didn't have the common decency to take care of the place? They could trim the hedges, clean the ponds, or at the very least dust!?
This was unacceptable, and as they bore down on me, I called upon the vast power of my authority and rebuked them. They came at me armed with weaponry both modern and ancient. Swords and magic, guns and explosives, tooth and claw. They took position, aiming, shooting, charging.
I simply held my hand, and all things came to a halt. Arrows and bullets frozen midflight. Grenades and motes of magic hung in the air. Their potential, unused.
The Cambions, with wicked wings and sharp teeth gnashed them at me, struggling to push their swords and spears past the invisible force which stopped them. Their muscles tensing as their Hellhounds snarled before whimpering as, with a single look, I ordered them:
"Sit."
They immediately planted themselves upon the ground, bowed towards me in both fear and respect. Slowly, I passed a cool gaze over all those before me. The Hell-touched Faeries, with their twisted wings and darkened eyes shivered as I looked upon them. They were traitors in my eyes. Those who had sold themselves to Hell in order to gain more power, and as it stood...they were nothing but Crowley's minions. For Crowley was a Demon Prince, at least...last I remembered.
"I would tell you to inform your master that I appreciate the warm welcome, but..." I sighed, shrugging as I motioned to the freshly renewed foliage, "The lawn needs some fertilizer, so...I'm afraid you won't be able to."
Their eyes went wide as they understood, but it was already too late as they tried to retreat. Under my authority, they couldn't move. In my own domain, they tried to defy me. I was strong in the City of Horizon, but here...none could defy me.
I closed my hand upon the power I held and the area came to life. Left uncared for for so long, the plants were ravenous. They craved sustenance. Nutrients to nurture them, and so...they latched upon the Demons and Devils, wrapping tightly around them like snakes squeezing their pray of life. Those in the air, just out of reach of the plants, yet not out of reach of me, began to contort upon themselves. Held by an invisible, powerful force. Me.
They all tried to cry out, but their screams were muffled as, in a grisly scene of cathartic release, they all exploded into a mist of blood and flesh. Where it all landed, it was soaked within the earth and the leaves of the trees. The grass drank deeply, soaking up the rain of death that fell upon it.
The only thing that was left untouched were the Hounds of Hell, whom I looked upon with a surprisingly gentle gaze and smile to match.
"You were only obeying your masters," I told them, kneeling down to pet one rather affectionately, "Though you are of Hell, you are still only an animal. I will not condemn you to the same fate as them. Go now. I have some unfinished business here, and if you run into any more of your friends, tell them to...run."
Spurred into action by my words, they all bolted as soon as I said to run. I watched them go, feet trailing little patches of ethereal fire which quickly faded as they left.
"Now then," I muttered, standing to face the beautiful oak doors of the Palace, "Let's begin."
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(Nick's POV, Cont.)
Inside the Palace, I took in the grand entrance which often greeted those visiting. A large hall with marbled floors and ribbed columns holding up the large vaulted ceiling. A once luxurious rug of forest green and gold ran the length of the hall. Above, several magnificent chandeliers hung to give light to the entire room, but currently, they were unlit. They appeared like branches twisting upon one another in an elegant manner before blossoming in several places. Crystals, like little flower buds, poked forth from them.
Feeling the cold, desolate feeling of the Great Hall which was once filled with warmth, I held my hand aloft and bade them relight. A flash of energy ran out from me, golden and warm, basking the entire hall in its radiance. Color returned as the crystal buds lit up with a soft, illuminating glow.
Tapestries which hung from between the columns practically came to life. Their green and gold fields melded with the twilight depictions, as well as those of the dawn. Sparkling stars and radiant rays of the Sun. However, the most prominent of symbols that stood out to me...were the Royal Crests.
Mine and Callista's were entwined together into a symbol of unity. They appeared on the farthest tapestries, hung above the grand staircase which led to the second floor of the Palace. They had been added when we were married, and have hung there, enchanted and untouched for many, many years. Even now, they were unsullied...unlike the other tapestries, some of which were in tatters and ruin.
With purposeful steps, I made my way down the hall. My footsteps echoing faintly, dampened by the rug underfoot. As I walked, I found myself focusing upon the emptiness of this place. The hollow feeling which clung to my very soul.
The sorrow which sunk deep into my heart reminded me of why I left this place. There were too many painful memories here.
"Haha! Wait up!" a childlike voice cried in merriment.
"Catch me if you can!" another exclaimed, giggling to themselves.
I paused as midnight hair flowed past me, catching me unaware. My breath caught in my throat as I beheld a visage of Callista when she was younger, and chasing after her was none other than a younger version of myself. I had been so innocent back then. My face practically glowing with joy.
I followed them with my eyes, as if caught in a trance before they dispersed into mist, never having existed, but at one point in time...this place was filled with such scenes.
"Damn it..." I mumbled, feeling the past awaken around me from my very presence here, "So, this is how it's going to be?"
I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the inevitable. This was the major reason I had left this place. When I had tried to stay on the throne, to honor Callista and do right as King...well, do you remember when I told you that I had been haunted by memories of my time with her? This is what I meant. I was not being figurative, but rather literal.
The Palace was built on a source of power. A collection of ancient magic that had pooled together along the ley lines of the world and created what was known as an "Anchor". It is not the only Anchor in existence, but it is one of the strongest of them. As such, the effects it has on the world around it were strong.
One such effect was to bring memories to life. This Palace, the one I lived in for many years, was sometimes called the Palace of Memories. Here, you could live through the past in blissful harmony...or delve deep into the sorrows of it. There were many that came here to look upon its wonders, for it wasn't only memories that this place held.
There were beautiful vistas and vibrant gardens. Grand Halls and majestic pools. Here, one could make memories. When the Cataclysm happened, this place had been corrupted...converted into something that twisted its original purpose. This place had once been a place of healing for the bereft and lost.
"Ah...how ironic," I chuckled, having forgotten the very thing this place represented, "I had cursed you. Damned this place for making me relive a life that I had lost. It was too painful, but it was all you knew..."
I sighed, placing a hand upon a marble pillar. I felt in this place the source of its power. The Anchor deep within the heart of this place...and it was in pain. Furrowing my brow, I focused upon it and delved deep into its thoughts. Infantile as they were, they were sentient enough that I could follow them...and a cold rage filled my heart as I discovered the defilement which touched my home.
"You only ever tried to help me," I whispered to the ancient force permeating the Palace and made it what it was, "I had been too stubborn, too hurt to realize. Well, I'm ready now. Do what you need to do, and I'll take care of you. Show me where it hurts..."
The stones rumbled and the Palace shook in acceptance of my words. Laughter filled the halls as I saw the ghosts of my past once more. Callista and I running through the halls, carefree and with love in our hearts. I felt a little silly speaking to the Palace after all this time, but...it was as close to a child as I had ever had before Aiden.
I followed the visage of my past, walking the corridors of the Palace. It was leading me through memories of my past. Some sweet, others bitter. A few, both. I saw one of the first kisses I've ever had with Callisto upon a balcony when she first manifested. I saw the time I had first made love with Callista.
I saw when we had our first fight, for no couple was perfect. It had been about something trivial. She had grown jealous of one of the Ladies of the Fae Court who had gotten a little too close to me. I had assured her it was nothing, but she had made her concerns clear. That particular woman was known to try and abuse her abilities.
She wasn't afraid of losing me, but rather, that I would come to harm or be fooled. Honestly, it was quite adorable and the argument ended with her flustered as I kissed her deeply. I promised that I would be careful from then on.
She had glared at me, telling me it was "unfair" to do that when she was mad. I simply shrugged and laughed, asking her how many times she had done that to me. She pouted, knowing the truth of my statement, and thus we embraced once more.
"How often you protected me..." I mused, my hear full of warmth, "I really did just rush into things, didn't I? You were always there, and when you couldn't be, you gave the job to Jasmine."
I wondered if the same could be said about Josie and Vanessa. It was odd that Josie was where I needed her to be when I had just began to accept my power once again. It was strange that Vanessa was always the Vampire I had dealings with when I needed something done on the darker side of the Fae world.
"How far did you plan ahead?" I wondered to myself.
As I stood in admiration of my wife's foresight, I felt the presence of Demons approaching. The rush of wind as a spiked tail lashed out at me. Without even looking, I caught it easily enough and clicked my tongue.
"Can't even have a sentimental moment here, can I?" I sighed, shaking my head as I spun the Demon around and threw them into the others rushing closer.
"This is no longer your home," one of the Demon's snarled, "Our Master has claimed it for themselves! You are trespassing!"
Finally turning to look upon them, I could do nothing but scowl.
"You forget yourselves," I spoke with calm purpose, authority radiating from me as the area began to dim menacingly, "It is not I who is trespassing, but you. I don't care if I abandoned it for eternity. It is not yours to claim."
As the shadows closed in on the Demons, their faces turned to fear and regret. I did not give them the mercy of pleading for their lives as I swallowed them whole in the depths of my shadows. All that was left of them as their bodies faded away were their souls that lingered. The very essence of their being.
"...Vermin," I shook my head in disappointment, "You pollute my home and dare place the blame at my feet? Well, true as that may be, how insolent..."
Raising my hand towards their essence, I flung them into the shadows to live there as stars until a time I deemed them fit to be reborn. Fools needed time to reflect on their choices. I continued on my way, facing my past with a heavy, yet open heart as I removed the Demons which infested my home.
They were numerous, but I was ready. Those who were smart, knelt down and pledged themselves to me once more. They forsook their oaths to Crowley and New Dawn, but still were punished accordingly. They had not only betrayed me once, but so easily turned their back on the one they pledged to help overthrow me.
It was good they had seen the error of their ways, but I couldn't simply trust them so easily. Not after everything that had happened, and I didn't have time to swear them into an oath like I did for Regina and Corvus, as well as the Vampires. I couldn't continue to let the Corruption defile the Palace, and the more I walked through, the more I cleansed it of its taint.
Color and vibrancy was restored to wherever I visited. On top of that, these memories...they were leading me further, and deeper, into the Palace. I knew where I was headed, but I did not rush. The Palace wanted me to see something, and I knew that I had to see it. Whatever it was...it was the final piece to the puzzle.
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(A Few Moments Later, within the Throne Room)
I stood before the great doors to the Throne Room. A double door standing about twenty feet tall and about half as wide. Despite its size, it was relatively easy to open should you have the permission. Upon its surface was carved a scene of a forest at its base. A depiction of the Sun, Moon, and Stars rose above it.
It was made of what was known as Ironwood and inlaid with silver for the Moon, gold for the Sun, pearls for the Stars, and emeralds for the leaves on the trees. It was a beautiful mosaic of the Faelands and what the Royal Family represented.
"...You son of a bitch," I muttered in sheer disbelief, "This...damn it."
I knew what memory the Palace wanted to show me. I should have known the moment I knew where I was headed, but had denied it until the last moment. I took a deep breath, which did nothing to calm my nerves. I could feel myself begin to tremble as I raised a shaky hand towards the door.
"It was here that everything ended..." I mumbled, half in a daze, "Do I really...need to see this?"
I had not wanted to come here. I hated the mere thought of it, and yet...I had to. Even when I was still upon the throne, I avoided this place, for I didn't actually need to sit upon the throne, so long as I was within the Palace. This is what I believed, but soon...the pain grew to be too much. I couldn't...damn it.
"Damn you," I cursed myself for the weakness I was showing now, "After everything, you're just going to give up here? You're so damn close, and this is where you draw the line?"
"It's our fault. Ours," a voice deep within me argued as it awoke for the first time since my second awakening, "We killed her. We-"
"Yes," I interrupted myself, fighting against the fracture of my mind, "And so it is our duty to see this through. We must face it. In earnest. We can no longer hide."
"I don't want to!" it cried and I soothed it with a hush of understanding.
"Neither do I, but we must," I replied simply, resolving myself and urging them to slumber once more, "For them and for ourselves, we must face it. We are stronger now."
"..." it was silent, begrudging accepting my resolve, "Do what you must, but don't say I didn't warn you."
Once more, I was whole again and back in my right mind. I didn't know how long it would last, especially with what was beyond this door. What is it, you might ask? Well...the memory of when I killed my wife.
It wasn't something I wanted to face, but it was something I had to. I had avoided it all this time, and even though I had grown and healed myself of the fractures I once exhibited, the scars still lingered. I would never truly be whole again, but thanks to the efforts of those around me and for them not giving up, I might be able to live with it.
Even when I free Calli of their prison and reunite with them, I would still bear the weight of what I had done. Not only that, but I felt like something beyond this door would expose to me something that I didn't want to believe. Something that I had always known, but had refused to acknowledge. Much like how Fae lived on the edge of mortal perception, this lived on the edge of mine.
As I tried to open the door, my hand shook terribly. It took an incredibly amount of willpower, and my other hand, just to steady it. It took more to open the door itself.
"I am Osran, Nicholas Fraye," I said to reaffirm myself, "This is mine to face and I will not shy away from it. Open...the damn...DOOR!"
With that final urging of self-affirmation, I was able to open the door with relative ease, and as it did, I saw the great hall that was the Throne Room. A vast marbled room with incredibly high arched ceilings, and in its center was a dome of stained glass. It let in a rainbow of light from the outside world that basked the entire room in a kaleidoscope of colors.
At least, it would if it was not broken, part of its glass missing or fallen upon the floor of the Throne Room. Light filtered in through various holes in the ceiling as well. It was a dreadful sight to behold, but at one point...it had been breathtaking.
In the center of the room, among the remains of the window above, was a golden circle inlaid in the ground, and within was a similar scene to the one on the door I had just opened. During Noon and Midnight, the colors of the dome came together to change the mural upon the floor. At noon, it showed the blazing Sun and a peaceful sky above a beautiful meadow. At Midnight, moonlight basked the mural depicting an ethereal forest at night.
It was during these times that Court was never held, for they were considered sacred times among the Fae. Even so, there were many that visited to see the mural even if no Court was in session. On either side of the room were rows of seats of varying types. Each to the specific taste of the Fae which often sat upon them.
Some were nothing but beds of pillows, others were slabs of stone heated by magic. A few were simply pools of water to lounge in. This was where the Fae Court was often held, and at the very far end of the room, up several steps to place them above the crowd were the Royal Thrones.
They were both made from what looked like woven wood. Branches and roots which came together to form the two thrones. One was a little more delicate in nature than the other, but similar enough that one could hardly distinguish them. The left, made of ash wood, and the right, made of an ancient oak.
Tapestries of the Royal Crests hung throughout the room and on the respective side of the throne who bore the same symbol above where one would sit. There, carved into both, was Calli's symbol on the ash wood throne, and mine on the ancient oak. Flowers used to blossom around it like a canopy or crown, but had long since wilted.
Even with the various colors from the stained glass above, everything felt muted and dulled. Even as I took a step inside, hesitantly, this dull miasma of somberness did not lift. I dreaded each step I took, and even more as the past started to come to life around me.
"They're at the gates!" a Fae sentinel in grand, golden armor cried as they rushed into the room, "Please, sire! Give your orders!"
A table appeared in the center of the room with a map upon it. There, a cloaked figure looked down at it with a heavy atmosphere.
"...Retreat," a familiar voice said solemnly from within the hooded cloak, "Use the underground tunnels. Get your family and run."
"But, sire! We must-" they tried to protest.
"No," the voice ordered, looking up to reveal my face many years ago, "I will face them. No more need to die."
Under my orders, those who had defended the Palace during the Cataclysm retreated. I bought them time to run and secure their families safety. I watched as the ghostly visage of myself took a deep breath, pulling back their hood to reveal a much younger face than the one I had now.
"Calli..." my visage muttered, drawing from its sheath an exquisite blade of elegant design, "Please...you're in there somewhere. Don't make me fight you..."
The blade, despite its appearance, was stronger than it looked. This was soon to be shown when an explosion was heard and the doors to the Throne Room burst open. A giants club came down as the one wielding it rushed towards me. I wished to stand aside and watch the events unfold, but as I did...I was suddenly there once more.
I merged with my past self, reliving events as they happened.
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