Chapter 10

Lemrina squinted her eyes, trying to peer through the thick mist. "My Queen, I think we are here." As the two walked, a city had become visible again. "This is Elysium." The city was stretched out on a plot of land that hung in the sky. A massive tree stood in the center, and its branches eclipsed the light of the sun. Chandeliers hung on those branches were the source of light. As she flew closer to the city, Halona could see people with cat ears and others with long, pointy ears. "This is Elysium. It's the only place in Akuma where basts and elves get along."

The two landed on the giant tree and climbed their way down. Halona tapped on the shoulders of a male elf, whose clothing suggested Christmas was coming. "Um, excuse me, would you happen to know if there are any portals in this city that lead to the human realm?" The elf nodded. "Yes." He pointed to a castle straight ahead of them. "The king and queen should know where the portals are. Do be warned that they're rather strict on outsides." Halona nodded. "Thank you." She walked to the castle, with Lemrina behind her.

"My queen, what shall we do now?"

"We're going to ask the king and queen for instructions as to where the portal is."

"Can we trust them?" Halona shrugged. "I have no clue. But it won't do us any good to just do nothing."

A guard halted Halona with his spear. "You're clearly not from here. State your business, and I'll decide whether to let you in or not."

"I wish to ask your king if I can use a portal to enter the human realm. That is all." The guard drew back his spear. "Very well. I'll inform the king of this matter. Stay here until I come back." As he walked into the castle, Lemrina whispered into Halona's ear. "Why didn't you tell him you're Kegelapan's daughter? As the princess of all demons in Akuma, your name bears a certain power." Halona shook her head. "My father has joined forces with the darkness and declared war on the whole of Akuma. There's a high chance the king would have ordered my arrest if he learned of that." The guard came back. "The king has allowed your entry into the castle. I will escort you there." Halona and Lemrina followed the man as he led them into the castle.

A large, bearded male elf sat at a round table heaped with food and wine. He was obese and in stark contrast with the slender women with cat ears sitting next to him. "Hello to you, travelers. I am the king of Elysium, Ryo Elysium. This lovely bast here is my wife, Soliana." Soliana waved to them. "Please make yourselves at home. You may help yourselves to whatever you like." Halona stared at Soliana's ears. She had never seen a bast before and was envious of her cat ears, which Halona thought was cute.

The king folded his hands. "I see. You wish to enter the human realm as well?" Halona nodded. "There's somebody there that I need to meet. I would appreciate it if you'd allow me to use the portal."

"I have no problem with that. Many people have come to me for access to the portal. Akuma has been in a state of chaos ever since the demon king, Kegelapan, has turned on us." Halona nodded. "Yes. Darkness has spread far across the realm, reaching places I once thought were impenetrable."

Screams were heard outside. Halona saw large serpents slithering around, devouring people whenever they went. Buildings were demolished, and chaos ensued. A soldier ran up to the king. "My king, there are hellions rampant in the city!" The king nodded nervously. "Where are our barongs?"

"They're already fighting them, but they're having difficulty. It won't be long before the hellions get through to the castle."

"I see. Have our guests hide in the castle for now..." The king's eyes widened when he realized his guests were gone. Where could they have gone?

"My Queen, are you seriously going to take in those hellions?" Halona nodded. "Lemrina, for the last time, those barongs need help. We won't be able to get to the human realm either if those hellions destroy the portal. Wait for me here." Halona flew off into the skies, leaving Lemrina at the back of the castle.

A hellion opened its mouth to swallow a soldier. Halona put her right arm on it. "Penhagcuran!" The Hakai absorbed the hellion into itself, and Halona's wings became scaly. The gauntlet spoke in her head. "Master, there are more hellions to your left and two up ahead." Halona nodded as she flew into the sky once more. A vortex of wind engulfed two more hellions, and they were absorbed into her right hand as well. Eventually, Halona took care of all the helions.

The people stared at her in awe. "It's the Penyelamat! That must be the Hakai on her right arm!" Everyone, from commoners to even the king himself, bowed down to Halona and offered their thanks. Halona blushed. "There's no need to bow. I was just doing my duty." The king chuckled. "I never thought our savior would be a guest at my house. I'm grateful to know they're still hope left for Akuma!" The people cheered. Halona smiled and gazed downwards, uncomfortable by the attention she was receiving. "Thank you, everyone. But Lord Ryo, about your portal, may I use it?"

"But of course! It's the least I can do to show my gratitude to you! Follow me."

The portal was underground in a basement beneath the castle. The king pulled on a lever and a purple light shined in Halona's face. "So, this is the portal?" The king nodded. "Yes. For centuries the royal family has used it to contact the human inhabitants that dwell in Sobloeze. This portal actually sends one into the Chasm, however. You must find your way through it to enter Sobloeze." The king handed her and Lemrina a collection of maps and a compass. "These should help tremendously." Halona bowed to him. "Thank you for all your help."

"No, no, I wouldn't be alive if it were not for you. Now off you go." The king waved goodbye to her as Halona and Lemrina entered the portal and crossed into the human realm.