Gods From the Machine (25 page)

“
You…you’re behind all of this,” Nick said slowly, his mouth at a loss for any more words and his throat dry. Something came over him, another sensation he had never felt before and he couldn’t react. His spine was tingling, his breath short. He felt fear.

“
All while providing an excellent distraction for us to have some time for ourselves,” the man said.

“
What do you want?” Alyssa asked.

Among the three she was the only one wh
o didn’t seem affected by this man. How could she remain so aloof at a time like this? It made Nick feel a little silly, but there was no mistake, he was certainly frightened of this man.

“
You presume that you possess any traits to capture my interest. I don’t want a knight or any mere mortal. I require the Inferno Bearer.” the man pointed a thin pale finger at Nick.

“
Who are you?” Nick asked.

“
Don’t you recognize me, Agrian? Or has time taken such a toll on your memory that you no longer remember your own brother?”

“
The Lord of Fear,” Matt managed to utter.

Bergice the Blizzard, one of
the Crowned Princes stood before them. He was the demon known for such cruel and unusual atrocities like the Frozen Fifty Incident. Nick hoped he would have more time to prepare before he would face a threat this large in scale. However, fate works in mysterious ways, and in this instance it had worked against his favor.

“
Why are you working with Doctor Numerous? You didn’t need him to take over Fyria,” Nick said.

“
He was the gatekeeper into this realm of paradise that you’ve been holding out from us. I’m surprised you figured out our little operation. I’d forgotten you’re quite astute when you want to be. Doctor Numerous has been working for us for some time now. In fact, he’s here—in that building, actually.” Bergice pointed to Graves Tower. “Conducting one of the greatest experiments of all time. If he should succeed, the world will once again be plunged into fear.”

“
What happened to your hatred towards mankind, why would you allow him to join your side? Nick said.

“
Before I answer that question, first tell me this, how does it feel to be ostracized from the ones you consider allies? Frustrating to no end, I’d assume,” Bergice said.

“
Not as frustrating as it is to know I used to be one of you,” Nick said.

A pang of real anger fla
shed itself across the ice demon’s expressionless face. Had he struck a nerve?

“
I know all about you, Bergice. I’ve known all about your kind my entire life. They kill the defenseless. Oppress the weak. Force them to live in constant fear. I know injustice when I see it,” Nick said.

Bergice laughed.
“Even when these mortals castrated you, you still managed to keep that silver tongue of yours. But there is a reason why I am called the Lord of Fear. My sole purpose in this world is to plunge mortals into absolute terror.”

“
So what happens now, are you going to try to take me to Ozarael? Or do we finish it right here?” Nick said.

“
Don’t be in such a hurry to die. I’m more curious to see if living in that host body dampened your fighting ability. What do you say to a small exhibition? I want to see how far you’ve come along training underneath the Garrison. Surely you must have learned some new tricks.”

“
Maybe you could ask one of your other demon lackeys that tried bringing me in like Astaroth? Wait, no, he’s dead,” Nick said.

“
True, his endeavor to kill you was comical at best. But I’m a whole different game from him. Death dealt by my hand requires more precision and calculation, all of which will happen in due time. For instance, the first step to punishing you requires that I kill your two friends over there.” Bergice pointed at Alyssa and Matt. “I know you inside and out, and I know that bringing out your rage is the only way to put you in your natural state.”

“
This guy’s insane! We got to get out of here!” Matt said.

“
Nick—the walls!” Alyssa said.

Nick spun around and h
urled a fireball at the icy barrier. An explosion of white gas filled the air at the spot he struck, but there was no other discernible effect once the smoke cleared. The walls remained unfazed; they were still trapped.

“
Your attempts are futile. Truly, are you the Inferno Bearer?” Bergice said.

“
How did you find us?” Nick said.

“
Ah yes.” Bergice stepped forward. “I suppose my presence has caused great confusion. I’m here to finish my business with Doctor Numerous. I helped him stage a full scale war in Fyria in order to distract everyone from our real plan.”

“
Then there’s no war,” Alyssa said.

“
The war your companions are fighting is real, but neither Doctor Numerous or I are involved at the moment. In fact, I was on my way to visit him during the final stages of his project before I stumbled upon you.” Bergice sprang forward suddenly. However, he leapt past them and knelt down to gather snow into his hands. “I wish the whole world could be this beautiful,” he said, lost in his own world. “A scene devoid of all life. Just endless black and white. Perfection.”

“
Quite the act Bergice,” Matt said. “We know Nick’s the only reason you’re back. But you’re not taking him!”

“
Stop calling him that. That is a terrible name for the Inferno Bearer,” Bergice said. “Agrian fits you much better, brother. It’s the true reflection of your demon heritage.”

“
I’m nothing like you!” Nick yelled back, much to the surprise of the others.

Bergice shot
Nick a curious look, and Nick found himself fuming with unrepressed anger. The Crowned Princes were responsible for killing hundreds of thousands for their own pleasure, like some sick sport. Nick didn’t want to be categorized into something like that. He didn’t want to be known for something so despicable.

“
You reject us again?” Bergice growled. “What makes you believe the humans will ever truly accept demons like us? One day they’ll turn their backs on you.”

Nick shook his head.
“No, I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t born a monster. But make no mistake, I’m nothing like you. I’m fighting for something different, so don’t call me brother.”

“
Then tell me how you felt when you killed Astaroth in cold blood.” Bergice paced around them casually.

How he felt? Nick stiffened, and the memories of that day filled his head. He could flashback to that day now, the regret he felt now that all was said and done.

“You parade around like you’ve achieved humanity by siding with the humans, living alongside them, and adopting their practices when deep down you know that we are one and the same. Don’t bother answering. I know exactly how you felt that day. No matter how much you try to deny it, Astaroth’s bloodstains are on your hands and you enjoyed every second of it, beating the life out of that demon. Admit it—you yourself are the epitome of evil. Denying otherwise would just be another lie. Even now you try to hold yourself back, but refuting your baser instincts won’t do you good because Agrian will find a way to escape.”

A splitting headache forced Nick to grip his face with both his hands. Bergice w
as pushing his buttons, and it was working. Agrian was trying to break free. The throbbing shots of pain in his head caused him to double over. The demon inside was desperately trying to take control. Nick couldn’t let that happen—not around Alyssa.

“
Of course you can try to fight it, but it will not work. You must unleash the demon in you that’s been dying to escape from that vessel. Bring your fury upon me! You have no other choice!” Bergice said.

“
Leave him alone! You’re messing with his head!” Matt shouted. “Don’t listen to him, Nick. I don’t know why he wants to get you riled up, but it’s obvious he has something up his sleeve.”

“
Matt’s right, he’s just trying to manipulate you,” Alyssa said.

Agrian
’s urging pulsated through every inch of Nick’s body. It got worse until he found himself on his knees, burying his face in the snow to numb the pain. He needed to transform, to find that air of relief before he went insane.

At that moment,
the angel feather pendant jumped out from under his shirt and landed on the snow with a light thud. He looked down at the white stone and the detailed carving took his mind off the agony, away from Bergice’s mind games. Just like that, Agrian’s voice became softer and softer until it faded away. He was himself again. He could think clearly, the rhythmic throbbing dissipated. Nick brushed the snow off and got back to his feet.

“
You’re right. Thanks guys, I almost lost it for a second.”

Bergice
’s face dropped. “What? What are you doing?”

“
I’m choosing another option. I’m choosing not to fight you. I won’t be a puppet to your game, Bergice,” Nick said.

Bergice mer
ely shook his head in amusement. “Clever tactic, but ultimately useless. Going against your nature is a coward’s solution.” A cruel smile broke across his face. “If you won’t fight me, who will stop me from killing your friends?”

Nick
’s heart sank as he realized that this was true. Little did they know they were welcoming their deaths with open arms, with only their unwavering loyalty towards him. But it was pointless. They were no match for a Crowned Prince. As Nick turned to face Bergice, the ice demon’s blue eyes were gleaming with an insatiable hunger. Nothing would stop his bloodlust until he satisfied his appetite for killing in a bloodbath.

“
I will bring out the true Agrian even if it is against your will.” Bergice drew his katana. The blade was blue tinted and had been sharpened very thinly, to only the width of a piece of paper. He held it out in a stance, ready to kill. “Let’s see how well you can keep your human facade when you watch your friends slain before you. How many heads must I lay before you until you decide to fight back?”

“
Don’t you dare.” Nick’s body heated up as he got into his battle stance. The flames on his arms intensified reflexively.

Nick was shaki
ng uncontrollably now. The words that came from his mouth were binding, as if they were law itself. Because every scenario and every story he had heard involving Bergice the Blizzard, had him always come out the victor. The Prince of Fear would not let his victory come without a trophy because it was his nature.

Alyssa and Matt stood at h
is defense, but Nick felt far from relieved. In fact, he was absolutely terrified. He hadn’t experienced a fear like this in such a long time, but the dread had seeped into his body and he was trembling. With his girlfriend and best friend in the presence of Bergice, how would they come out alive?

Matt had his
Wolfsbane
at the ready. “You forget that us weak humans still have the ability to fight.”

“
So confident,” Bergice said. “But I feel the fear that dwells within your heart. Even so, you still face me with unwavering determination. What is your name young knight?”

“
Matthew Cunningham, and in the name of the Heralds and all that is true, I will not let you leave here alive!”

Bergice chuckled lightly.
“You can’t even begin to fathom the number of times someone has threatened me. It’s always the same: light banter, insults, and then a battle to the death. In every instance I always let them believe they have a chance…” His cold eyes became daggers. “It makes it much more satisfying seeing them die with that self-righteous look on their faces.”

“
You don’t scare us,” Alyssa said. “As long as there are people who believe in our cause, then demons will never win.”

“
You have an invincible spirit. But unlike your spirit, your mortal bodies are flesh and blood. You can be broken!” Bergice said.

“
Leave them out of this, Bergice,” Nick said. “Your fight is with me. I’m the one you want.”

“
I’m afraid there isn’t much you can do to persuade me, Agrian. I had given them the chance to leave with their lives but instead your companions have challenged me to do battle and my honor dictates that I comply.

“
And you,” Bergice glowered at Alyssa. “Agrian’s one true love. The prophecy rang true just like Lord Ozarael said. It pains me to see what a pitiful state you’ve been reduced to, brother. This role you’ve been placed in, acting as a puppet following the orders of these pathetic crusaders, all in the name of love. It sickens me.”

Bergice
turned his gaze upon Matt next. “I’ve grown tired of all this talking. Your friends want to protect you, let them try.” His eyes darted back to Nick. “Let them try to their hardest. Victory can’t settle for anything less.”

As one,
Matt and Alyssa jumped in front of Nick. Nick wanted to argue but he didn’t have anything to say to that. He was the key to the salvation of their world. Putting himself into danger wouldn’t help their cause, but letting them pay the ultimate sacrifice with their lives wasn’t the answer either. There had to be another way. But what else could he do?