Asriel vs Zeke (VII)

"That can't be all, why go to the trouble of doing that?" I continued with my interrogation.

"It's an easy way to get Objects at once. Thanks to you guys I already have quite a few new ones in my collection, especially my favorite one thanks you" he said pointing to his belt. "This one in particular is made more powerful by feeding on other people's desperation, and there's nothing better than getting it from Seekers fighting to the death over false promises! My original plan was to recruit whoever won, and if he wasn't loyal to me, well, get rid of that problem and keep the reward. You are all idiots, especially that woman who has used so much determination. All I had to do was tell her a few nice phrases to easily trick her into serving as a gofer"

"You bastard. Don't you have any feelings?"

"Who needs to have pity on other puny humans? The important thing is that now you will be the perfect test subjects for all my powers"

Finishing his speech I looked at Corneria. She was on her knees on the floor, as if someone she trusted blindly had betrayed her and broken all her ideals.

This was a deception as I thought from the beginning. She probably had some strange rule for the winner like fighting him to claim the prize, or he would just alter them to keep the Objects for herself. We were dancing in the palm of his hand all this time.

He really is insane, much more than Victor was. He did not stoop so low. His totalitarian plans aside, he had in mind the survival of a few under his wings. This moron thinks only of himself.

"Give me a hand to end this" said Zeke suddenly appearing at my side with some wounds on his body.

"Are you all right?" I asked him.

"Do you think I am? Anyway, I regret to admit that I won't be able to face him alone"

"I still don't trust you" I answered staring at him. "But I owe you one for helping Maria. Besides this old man is our priority, we'll join forces for a common enemy"

"Ha, good for me. Then we'll settle the score between us"

"Thank you Asriel, together we can win for sure!" assured Maria excited for the moment.

I don't have all my skills and she can't use her Spiritist abilities, although if we complement each other we can do it. There is only one key factor missing in this operation.

I approached the last member I had in mind, a person I feel I can trust, who was still surprised by these sudden plot twists.

"Corneria, help us defeat this old man"

"... I have no reason to fight anymore"

"If we don't do something he'll kill all 4 of us, do you really want to let him get away with this after tricking you like this?"

"... I don't know what to do, I don't know what I should believe in"

"Corneria! React at once!"

"What I have done so far has been in vain. I have no reason to go on living"

No doubt she seemed plunged into the deepest despair. She must be alone in her little bubble surrounded by darkness.

Yes, I have felt the same way. When I was fighting to find my goal I was carrying all the weight on my back. Had it not been for the warm heart of my dear companion I would have continued on that path of loneliness.

I know better than anyone what one hopes for the most in that situation, that someone will lend you a hand.

"If you no longer have it..." I said, taking her by the shoulders.

"..."

She stared at me with a surprised expression and with her mouth open as if she wanted to say something.

I looked into her eyes as if I was going to lose myself in them.

"You just have to find a new motivation. Life is about moving forward facing all the adversities that appear. It's still early to give up, you're still too young to do it. I know it's very complicated, but I was there in your place and I could make it, in that case I know it will be very easy for you, you are much smarter than me"

"I, I..."

Even hesitating I didn't let her go, I went ahead with my speech. If I let her go now I know she'll break down and she won't have confidence in herself again.

I just need to give her that little push so she'll be able to stand on her own.

"If that's too hard for you, then I'll help you"

"... really Asriel? You'll help regardless what I have done?"

"What are you saying? Of course I will, that's what friends are for, isn't it?"

At that instant I think I saw how her face blushed a little. She looked away for a few seconds, then leaned on my arms and stood up.

"... okay. I'll help you in any way I can"

"Thank you Corneria. Let's do this together"

In this way the 2 of us stood next to Zeke and Maria.

"Haha, what a nice show of friendship and love! Are you guys done? It doesn't matter if there are 3 of you or 4 of you, all you have to do is feed my artifact and die trying to resist!"

"Ha, stop trying to make us laugh. The one who will go down is you!"

"I can't forgive what you put Asriel through! I don't care how old you are mister, you deserve to get your ass kicked!"

"You tricked me by taking advantage of my weakness. I agree with the rest of you that we need to teach you a lesson"

"You heard them Rowen. Let me show you what people are capable of when they unite their ideals for a common goal. Let's go!"