Phaerys looked about the room that he and the others found themselves in. Another heart of another fortress, by all appearances. And yet the Shaiton awaiting them made no move to attack. Instead, they seemed to seek parley.

However, it was when Jharm attempted to speak out – and the forms of both he and the Shaiton appeared to flicker and writhe for a moment – that Phaerys suspected something was amiss. Were these figures an illusion? Did the same apply to the rest of the room they stood in?

Soul Reaver voiced his own counter-argument to the Shaiton, to their assertion of might makes right, and of the Seraphim’s ultimate plans. Compared to the other Companions, Phaerys had no real connection to Jharm or the Seraphim, and as such could not speak for their motives. But alongside Soul Reaver and Kitharsis, he had recorded plenty of data on creatures that wielded the powers of darkness.

“In our travels we have encountered beings of a similar nature to yourselves, many times before. Virtually all have harboured intentions of conquest and destruction. What evidence do you have that would make you exempt?”

Having said his piece, the Ataran continued to watch the scene unfold. He prepared himself to prime the disc-shaped seismic charge in his hand, while Soul Reaver had the attention of the Shaiton.

Emerging from the portal, Soul Reaver pauses to assess his surroundings.  His body is tense, his weapon gripped ready to strike.  But he does not attack immediately - instead, he listens intently.  Behind him the daemonic troops swiftly enter the room, splitting into two groups and moving into flanking positions in response to an unspoken order.

Soul Reaver's eyes narrow as Venagon's conjured hand covers Jharm's mouth to prevent him from speaking, and his expression registers alarm as the strange flicker passes over those assembled before him, but he does not move until Venagon's speech is finished.

Once Venagon concludes, Soul Reaver lowers his weapon and takes a step forward.

"I have had my suspicions during this quest that not all was as it appeared.  Indeed, it has come to a point where I can see that this is the case with my very eyes.

One thing I do not doubt is your desire for chaos and conflict.  But where is there any shred of honour in the strong crushing the weak?  A simple farmer, living out their life to feed their family and community achieves far more of true merit than any so-called mighty warlord.

But I will cede this: strength is genuinely needed in this multiverse..."

Soul Reaver tightens his grip on Blooddrinker.

"For without it, those with goals like yours would have free reign.  That is something I will not allow."

Soul Reaver's iron-hard gaze locks onto Venagon.

"You spoke of negotiations, but I have yet to hear any demands or concessions.  So I will be the first to make a demand.  Tell me: How will corrupting the lightwell 'save the universe'?  If you can offer me the un-embellished truth - and allow my Seraphim companion to respond in kind - perhaps it will stay my blade.

On the other hand, if all you have to offer is war and conflict..."

Soul Reaver's brows come together and his eyes narrow dangerously.

"Well, those I can find well enough on my own."

As the Companions step through the portal they find themselves in a large room, another of the large crystals sitting in the center as with the previous forts, making it quite clear where they likely are.  Also in the room are 4 figures.  One being Jharm who still seems wrapped in the dark shadowy hand, and also the familiar figures of Dervagon and Nethalika flanking the immobilized Seraphim though Dervagons large blades remain sheathed on his back.  The fourth figure looks striking similar to Jharm though with similar differences akin to Nethalika.  Dark black armor covers much of his figure though his head is uncovered and dark black orbs gaze at the Companions as they arrive.

"Ahh, welcome all of you.  I am so glad that you accepted His invite, though I suppose the abduction of Jharm here proved to be motivational as well."

Jharm struggles within the shadowy grip and growls.

"Enough of your banter Venagon!  My friends, do not worry about me, take him out at once!"

The Shaiton that was speaking, Venagon, raises a hand towards the Companions and shakes his head.

"Now now, I would not really recommend that.  His focus is on us right now and your attacks would prove meaningless.  Besides, one could say it would be rather rude to attack during negotiations.  He has been watching all of you has you have battled your way closer thus far, and with Him finally returning in full He decided now would be the best time to not only make an offer but also provide the truth of things.  Undoubtedly the Seraphim here has regaled you all with how we Shaiton and our Lord are evil, vile, a danger to not only our own universe but the Multiverse itself and whatnot.  In truth...thats utterly false.  We simply seek to bring strength to the universe while the Seraphs and their Lady desire conformity and servitude."

Jharm struggles some more.

"Do not listen to his demonic prattle.  It is nothing but lies!"

Venagon scowls and glares over at the Seraphim and gestures with his hand, one of the shadowy digits holding Jharm slides upwards to cover the Seraphims mouth.  It is at this exact moment, for a split second that the appearance of not only the 3 Shaiton but Jharm as well seem to...flicker.  They all seem to momentarily take on a more sinister and almost demonic appearance. Sharp ridges forming along their faces, horns sprouting from their heads, hands twisted into hideous claws.  Then just as quickly its gone and all of them look as they previously did, none showing any sort of reaction that anything had occured.  Venagon turns back towards the Companions.

"Should have known he would refuse to cooperate and stay quiet.  Anyways, as I was saying.  Conform and obey is what they desire, and should you not do as they wish...swift destruction awaits. We seek order not through blind servitude but through chaos.  War, combat, perseverance through suffering.  The strong survive and the weak fall.  He sensed similar feelings amongst some of you.  That is why He desired to make an offer to you all.  Join with us, we can deal with the Seraphs while their Lady is still missing, deal with the Light itself adn then strive ot bring peace through strength to the Multiverse.  What say you all?"

My apologies, had intended to get a post up last weekend but tbh kinda procastinated and then last week happened and the results kinda has fucked with my head and still sort of working through it.  My intent it to get a post up in the next day or so.  Good news though is we are drawing close to the end. 

Kitharsis is quite unsure of the quick chain of events that happens after then crystals are destroyed.

Jharm is snatched into His portal, whoever He is.  Vee quickly and without regard jumps in after him.  An irritated Soul Reaver, and an over eager Gulgrim follow suit.

With a sigh, Kitharsis sheathes his sword.  The need for an abundance of force might be necessary, and his skill with the sword is dwarfed by his other skills.  The sand summoned during the battle twists around him into a sphere as a pre-emptive attempt to defend against whatever might be waiting on the other side of the portal.

"This smells foul, but it is a long walk back."  He says, before hopping into the portal himself.

This being appears almost jovial about the situation.  After slaughtering so many of his forces, and defeating his commanders it is an odd juxtaposition.  Either He is incredibly foolish, or incredibly powerful.

Kitharsis would almost certainly bet on the latter.