True and Terrible Power

Campaign: Chaos in the Capital

Chapter 14 / 4-4

True and Terrible Power

Previous Quest

To the Demon's Throne

Next Quest

Convergence

Summary

When the prince and his allies finally reach the throne room, the Other demands the Prince give up his own body in exchange for saving Zethia. The prince agrees, but before the transfer can be completed, Beren shows up and initiates a surprise attack against the Other.

Dialogue

We're here. Morsayati and Zethia are waiting for us just inside. Dude, I can't believe we're FINALLY gonna save Zethia! You're damn right we are, Notte. Come on, everyone.

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...... Morsayati. You have done well to come this far, little prince. As the Holywyrm's chosen holder of countless pacts, I expected no less. I have been awaiting you most eagerly. This ends today, Morsayati! I'm freeing Zethia! Well, depending on your attitude, perhaps we COULD arrange to have this body returned to her. ...What? I trust this dude about as far as I can throw him—and these little stick arms can't throw ANYTHING! In a way, Prince, your sister is my home. And when a person purchases a fine new home, they have no need for the old one. So if there was a vessel more suited to housing my soul—perhaps one that held free control over dragons—I would not be particular about holding onto the Auspex.  ?! Okay, hang on. You think we're all gonna just stand around and let you possess Euden?! No way, fool! I will not permit you to lay one slimy finger upon my darling! The method of my seizing control is of no consequence. We can do it peacefully and let all of you live, or I can slaughter you and claim the prince's body after. Though I cannot say for certain that the Auspex's body is strong enough to survive such an ordeal... Are you saying that Zethia— Oh, that is EXACTLY what I'm saying. I've been using and abusing this body over the months, you see, and I fear it cannot endure the strain much longer. NO! But if you willingly surrender yourself as my vessel, I no longer need the Auspex and will return her to you unharmed.  ! So then, little prince! What is your course? Will you lay down your life for your sister, or sacrifice her in the name of "peace"? ...All right. I'll do it. Have you lost the last damn marble rollin' around yer head, boss?! Your Highness, you cannot do this thing! If you were gone, who would bring peace to all Alberia?! Are you not the one who has taken up the dying wish of King Alberius?! I'm sorry—and I know this looks like I'm betraying everyone who trusted me... But it's the only way to save Zethia. Dude, Zethia wouldn't WANT this! You promised the three of us would be together again! You PROMISED! I'm sorry, Notte. I'm...I'm so sorry. Heh. It seems you've resolved yourself. Well, then—let us begin the rite of transference. No! I won't let this happen! I'm right there with ya, my man. We're gonna wait for the right moment and put a stop to all'a this crap! A word of warning to the rest of you: If the rite is interrupted, the body of the chosen vessel might... Well, let us just say it would be VERY messy.  ! So I suggest you just sit there like good little humans, unless you wish to see your dear friend turned inside out. Ya mean I gotta wait here like a chump and just watch him get possessed?! Graaaaagh! Dammit all to hell! Euden... No... Hrgh... Gaaaaah! NOOOO! Euden! AAAAH HA HA HA HA! The time grows nigh for that loathsome Elysium's— I can only pity you.  ?! You're... Why have you come here now? It's the kid! The fifth scion! The hell is he doing here?! You there. Fiend of fiends. You will become one with me. Idiot child! Do you think I, the great Morsayati, would be caught unawares by such a weak and obvious power? You are fools who forget your place, and now I will show you how to wield black mana for true! Haaaaah! It is you who has forgotten his place.

...What? Wait, no. Wh-what is this? Who are you?! WHO THE DEVIL ARE YOU?! Struggling is useless—you are fated to meet your end here. ...One you know well said as much. You can't mean...! Hngh! How can you be this strong?! RETURN MY POWER! RETURN IT TO MEEEEEEEE! GYAAAAAAAAAAA!