Chapter 716 Land Of The Precursors (1)
In the days that followed, Ashton and Astaroth couldn't agree, partially because of guilt and partly because of anger. The atmosphere around them was tense so much that the Xyrans worried about a potential fight that could destroy their moons or something.
As such, the Black Division, a company of the greatest Xyran soldiers, were stationed around Ignara to ensure everyone's safety. The Black Division had never tasted defeat; they were always successful no matter how difficult their mission was.
But despite their past glory, they weren't taking on Astaroth and Ashton lightly. They were well aware of Astaroth's strength and had no intention of working against him. As such, they settled for religiously surveilling Ashton, the more unpredictable of the two.
While Ashton was being kept within a specific area of the moon, Astaroth was given free rein as the Council trusted Astaroth more than a stranger, even though their shared past spoke otherwise.
This arrangement continued until Astaroth was handed the Soul Killer device, and Ashton and Astaroth were set to depart for Celestria's Verge. But before that, the Council suggested that they should wait and try to resolve their misunderstandings, given the circumstances.
However, Ashton and Astaroth were set on leaving the Xyran-ruled space as soon as possible. Though their relationship was tense, defeating Kro'Han seemed to be the only thing they agreed on, and they wanted to waste no time on their bickering.
Ultimately, the Council agreed and arranged for a ship for them. While the Xyrans were worried about the downfall between the two, most of them were glad to see the guests depart... but they weren't alone.
Despite his declining health, Rood accompanied them for two reasons. First, to see the place Jo'Han talked so much about and second, to try and apologise to Ashton for not giving him the Soul Killer as promised.
***
The spaceship hurtled through the cosmic expanse, the hum of its engines a constant backdrop to the silence within.
Astaroth sat in the cockpit, fingers dancing over the holographic controls, navigating through the sea of stars. Rood joined him, taking a seat in the co-pilot's chair, and a heavy atmosphere settled between them.
"We need to talk," Rood finally broke the silence, his gaze fixed on the vastness beyond the viewport.
Astaroth glanced at him, his golden eyes reflecting an unreadable emotion. "Talk away."
"I need to know your intentions, Astaroth," Rood pressed, the weight of uncertainty evident in his voice. "With Ashton, with the mission... everything." n.-O--V-.e-/l-(B/-1/)n
"Why is that?"
"Because I have a duty to protect him," Rood responded. "Even above you."
Astaroth leaned back, his posture casual, almost indifferent to Rood's status on Xenithar.
"My intentions haven't changed," he responded. "I'm here to fight Kro'Han and end him. As for Ashton, he's not my concern. Whether he chooses to join me, that's his choice."
Rood studied Astaroth's stoic expression, searching for any cracks that might reveal the truth because the Astaroth he knew wouldn't give up on someone he called his Brother.
"You don't seem too concerned about him," Rood commented.
"He is a grown-ass man who has been through a lot," Astaroth chuckled. "He'll find his way. If he chooses to isolate himself, it's because he needs time to process. It's not my place to intrude on his peace."
"Is that so? You two were inseparable once," Rood frowned, the lines on his forehead deepening. "Now it feels like you're drifting apart, and I find it weird."
Astaroth's eyes narrowed, and he turned his attention back to the controls. "People change, Sir. Circumstances change. It's a part of life."
A moment of silence hung in the air before Rood decided to address the issue at the core of their unease.
"We can't ignore what happened during the meeting either-"
"Rood, I'm here to protect Ashton," Astaroth mumbled, his jaw tensing, a sign of inner turmoil. "But I can't control his perception of events. If he thinks I betrayed him, that's his choice. In time, everything will clear up."
"The question is, are you?" Rood's eyes narrowed, suspicion lingering.
Astaroth's gaze remained fixed on the starry expanse. "No. I've never betrayed him, and I never will. But trust is a delicate thing. Once broken, it's hard to mend."
Their conversation reached an impasse, and tension thickened between them. Astaroth remained focused on the navigation controls, and Rood sighed, realising that he wouldn't open up about having a secret meeting with the Council and changed their decision to get the Soul Killer for himself.
Rood was aware of the meeting because one of the Councilmen had informed him about it. But even he was too scared to reveal everything to Rood. That's why Rood wanted to know Astaroth's answer, but it didn't seem like he would talk.
"I'm going to check on Ashton," Rood finally declared, rising from his seat.
Astaroth nodded without looking back, his demeanour unwavering. "Feel free."
As Rood left the cockpit, the door sliding shut behind him, Astaroth was left alone with his thoughts.
The hum of the spaceship's engines reverberated through the narrow corridor as Rood approached Ashton's room. The metallic walls seemed to close in, amplifying the weight of unspoken tension in the air.
Rood knew the trials set by the Precursors would require all of their attention, and a broken crew like theirs wouldn't survive for long. As such, he wanted to mend the bridges while there was time.
"I didn't have any success with Astaroth... let's hope it won't be the same with Ashton," Rood mumbled before opening the door leading to Ashton's room.
Inside, Ashton sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, immersed in meditation. Rood hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat, "Ashton, do you have a moment to spare?"
No response.
"I understand your anger. I should have fought harder for the Soul Killer," Rood admitted, his tone carrying the burden of regret. "I tried to change their decision, but the council—"
Ashton's eyes remained shut, and he continued his meditation, seemingly impervious to Rood's words.
"I wanted to apologise," Rood persisted, "I never meant for things to unfold this way. I tried to reverse the decision, but they wouldn't listen."
Silence hung in the room like an unspoken truth. Ashton's meditation was a shield, a barrier to prevent his temper from boiling over. Rood's regret-filled words seemed to bounce off that shield, leaving Ashton unmoved.
"I really wish it didn't come to this," Rood sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "I wish we could have found a better way, you know."
Still, no acknowledgement from Ashton.
Rood took a step back, realising that his attempts at reconciliation were falling on deaf ears. "Ashton, I—"
"You did what you had to," Ashton's voice cut through the air, low and controlled. "If you think I'll become a danger to you, then you're wrong. What happened, happened, you can leave now."
He nodded silently, acknowledging the chasm that had widened between them. As he turned to leave, the door slid shut behind him, sealing the divide.
In the corridor, Rood found himself alone with his thoughts. The spaceship hurtled through the vastness of space, carrying them and the weight of decisions and consequences. The flickering lights overhead cast a muted glow on Rood's troubled expression.
He walked the corridor in solitude until he came upon Astaroth, leaning against the wall with a contemplative gaze. Rood hesitated before speaking, "Ashton might turn into a liability for our mission—"
Astaroth's eyes met Rood's, and he raised an eyebrow as he didn't expect Rood to be so forward and straight with his words.
"I know," Rood admitted, "I shouldn't have said that. It's just... the Council's decision has complicated things."
"I already told you," Astaroth shrugged. "Leave him be. I know him; he is disturbed right now, but he'll recover. Now let's head back."
As Astaroth returned to the ship's controls and steered them through the cosmos, Rood lingered in the corridor, feeling uneasy for some reason.
