Aaradhya's concentration snapped back to attention; he focused on something else to avoid the memories of a massacre perpetrated by his so-called people, on his followers in the middle of the street. No matter how beautiful the scenery, his mind couldn't help but replay the scene of brain matter splattering onto the glass. Momentarily, however, he was brought back to the current moment as about a dozen maids and a half a dozen butlers rushed out of the main entrance with bowed heads to greet their high priest. They kneeled and prayed a moment later for their lord the moment that they noticed him within the priests arms.
"Once is a weird occurrence, twice is an uncomfortable happenstance, three times is just too much," Aaradhya physically cringed, which made the priest's nose scrunch in confusion. Before the older man could speak to his lord, an older woman stepped out of the villa and followed the maids and butlers in what Aaradhya assumed was customary worship. She bowed by pressing her forehead to the floor and prayed in some ancient language for a moment before she stood up and clapped her hands.
"Okay all of you. Get back to work and do it quickly. We have but a few hours before our first round of guests arrive," the lady waved the gathering away. She noticed the unimpressed and flat expression on the high priest and regretted the arranged fanfare.
"Greetings High priest. We have all received the wondrous news. And welcome to Glass Peak Villa our Lord. Please forgive us if everything is not up to your standard, we are in the midst of decorating for the festivities yet to come," the lady patted her apron and raised a hand towards the main entrance.
"Please follow me in. Some of the elders can't wait to meet our glorious Lord in person," unintentionally crow's feet and growing wrinkles gave away the woman's age.
"This woman looks nearly 90. How is she still kicking about so spryly," Aaradhya looked questionably at the ages of the other attendants and servants and noticed that they were all also up there in years. All of the servants had a dense blue energy to their bodies and no flame to speak of since it seemed that their bodies were flames. At most, it appeared that their ears, eyes, or noses were the densest and most flame-like spiritual parts of their bodies.
"I know this may come as a surprise, but our Lord is not prepared to meet anyone in his current state," the high priest raised Aaradhya a little bit.
"I see. Then I'll have someone prepare a bath, meal, and clothing fit for our lord. Afterwards, a stylist will be there to help you and our lord prepare for the conclave," Mrs. Lagrange took out a pen and pad. With a snap of her fingers, a greying butler came out from the building and ferried her notes around the premises.
"Thank you for the help, additionally I had hoped we would reach the lord's chambers uninterrupted. Is that possible," the priest asked her with a small bow of his head. If most of the elders saw this, they would scream about the dishonor and shame.
"Oh, stop that you. I always blush when you do this...", Mrs. Lagrange shuffled and clapped her hands with an even bigger smile. A silver haired maid grabbed a different note from this matroness's hand and ran back inside to complete her work.
"Just follow me and our lord will make it to his chambers without so much as a fly reaching him," the old lady once again patted her apron and walked ahead of the priest to guide the two most important people in the religion.
"Weird. Her posture is different, looser but in a more controlled way, as if she's acting. Or am I overanalyzing someone's embarrassment? I'll relax for now. As far as I know, this is just your run of the mill filthy rich cult full of devoted people. On second thought, she may be an odd person considering the manner in which she bears herself, " Aaradhya tilted his head and watched Mrs. Lagrange with keen interest. Soul sense, as if it were meant to trouble him, not only activated as he focused his mind, it overtook his senses. He could see the flow of spiritual energy within Mrs. Langrange's body and it left him surprised by how incomparably dense the blue light was. If he had to compare it, she was like the sun and everyone else with a spiritual body was like a firefly. He blinked a few times and let his focus slip and as it did, soul sense died down until all he saw was a blue aura around the woman's body.
"So the soul sense automatically adjusts to my focus. It's interesting," Aaradhya tried to heighten his senses once more by looking through a wall. Within a few seconds, he was surprised to find that as long as he focused and squinted, soul sense would deepen to the point where he could see through physical barriers. As such, he saw about a dozen blue souls that constantly patrolled the areas around his location.
"Behind that corridor, there are a few people heading this way and, whoa," in no less than a dozen or so seconds the golden souled individuals that were headed in his direction were taken out of their path by the blue lights. His soul sense receded back into subtle sensory cues meaning that he was not privy to the secrets of the souls that seemingly attacked other people within the villa. The instant that the high priest passed the threshold of the building's front doors, Aaradhya looked around and narrowed in on what he did see for a split second. The main hall was split into two, the lobby below and the wrap-around mezzanine above the main entrance. Aaradhya scanned the entire entrance for the blue souls that he saw through the walls. The entire time,Mrs. Lagrang noticed her young lord's observations out of the corner of her eye which made her smile and nod.
"There is nothing up there aside from the stands and a massive chandelier. Hm, the metal looks freshly polished... ", Aaradhya lowered his head and locked eyes with the older lady for a moment. An odd sense of discomfort exploded within his body, but he weathered the storm and looked across the floor to where there was dust in an off pattern. It was odd because the rest of the marble floor was polished to a reflective sheen.
"The scatter is large, but the spread is in an obvious square shaped pattern... Could it be that there are hidden passages in this villa? Ah, more than that, did she truly arrange for anyone coming to see me to be pulled into these hidden corridors," almost as if the universe wanted to congratulate him for an amazing deduction, his vision flashed for a split second. Eight or so bright souls standing above a similar number of pale gold souls. They were in the walls and floors, either that or these people perfected the art of camouflage to the point of becoming invisible. In fact, as he thought about it, it was possible that the people who ensured his quiet were masters of stealth and camouflage and there were secret passages, two insane things could be true at once.
"Not only do I have a personal mini army and a cult with a death wish, but I also have masters of stealth and architecture. Lord Death, did you think a simple yet wealthy cult was not enough," Aaradhya appreciated the idea behind his background, but this really was too much. It showed on his crumpled little face that he was discontent. Mrs. Lagrange looked at what her lord expressed as interest and clapped her hands once more.
"Ah, I just remembered that there is a lot that I need to do for the next few days. A meeting that will last three days is not something easy to prepare for. So, if I may excuse myself," she waited for the high priest's response.
"I'm sorry for creating so many problems for you. I truly thought it would be smart to capitalize on the momentum we've had at late. Next time, I will give you a proper amount of notice," the high priest nodded. Mrs. Lagrange stepped out into another hall.
"Does she know about the secret passages? If so, did she see that I noticed them? Furthermore, if she did notice, will the passages be left alone, moved elsewhere, or will they be destroyed... ", Aaradhya frowned as the questions piled up in his mind. His soul sense was off so the moment that she disappeared behind a door, that was it, he couldn't follow her with his eyes. That would've been the case if he wasn't already used to activating his passive power. His vision sparkled with spiritual light and fog for far longer than a brief moment as he focused his attention on the woman's retreating back. He could see her hand something without a spiritual signature to another soul that ran through the building to stop by the souls that he noticed in secret.
"Seems I'm getting the hang of this," Aaradhya once again noticed the group that removed everyone in his path moved through whatever secret passages that there were in the building. The only difference this time was that his body felt as though it were wrapped in a warm cocoon of soothing light. Almost like the sun hit his skin indoors. His sense of touch was accidentally activated along with his vision but as of right now, it wasn't detrimental. He scanned his surroundings for about a dozen or so people that rotated around the building in a tight knit circle around the high priest and himself. From his vantage, some golden and some blue looking souls would head toward his and his fathers direction but they would quickly go dim as they were dragged to locations that they would not disturb anyone in. The areas around these hidden protectors buzzed like campfires as more bodies were placed in side chambers or in the shadows of some corner statues.
"I can't tell the difference between souls so it's not like I know if they are servants like Mrs. Lagrange or military like the guards that protected my casket. I wonder if that's just how it is or if it's a problem I can fix later," Aaradhya tried to make out any distinctions but everyone looked pretty much the same aside from his father and the four guards that still managed to somehow remain hidden behind them. They were surrounded by blue and green light and rings that looked more solid than scattered. Even as he tried to recognize and distinguish the souls that surrounded him, the high priest and the lord were brought over to their final location without so much as seeing a fly.
Towards the northernmost part of the villa nearest to the peak of the island mountain, a massive staircase coiled around a pillar of chiseled stone. The stairs were revealed after the priest opened a massive pair of stone doors that opened with a soft push as gears and stone grinded and groaned. A rocky tunnel with natural cut windows led through the mountain peak and upward. After a few twists and turns, a giant glass window with a view of the ocean covered a long stretch of staircase.
"Wait a second, did they turn the entire mountain peak into my personal space... ", the stairs evened out to platforms every other flight that led into different rooms as they went up the steps. Each entrance was labeled with something Aaradhya didn't understand but guessed based on what he could see. A massive receiving room based on the gargantuan crystal wall at the center of the room, an entertainment hall with rows of arcade cabinets, waste and washrooms, guestrooms, center kitchen, private meeting area based on the double doors that had a sign on the door, upper kitchen, master bedroom....
"Incredible. This whole upper tower is for my use, or seems that way at least. Even though I don't know much, the time and craftsmanship that went into all of this must have been tremendous. It's almost enough to make me wonder how many years it took to complete it all," the high priest asked Aaradhya something but how could he respond with anything other than confusion. The man scrunched his face then opened the master bedroom at the very top of the mountain.
"Wow, I could get used to living on this island if I am away from things like this, oh. Who am I kidding, whoever was in charge of this cult will do everything in their power to make sure I disappear," Aaradhya scanned the room and noticed the meticulous care and planning that went into the placement of everything. From the rock garden to the miniature forest and waterfall that came from a freshwater ice cap further up the enormous mountain, all the way to the spotless stone and wooden furniture that blended in with everything. Even the open ceiling design added a layer of beauty as natural soft light provided warmth, comfort, and mystery. The high priest carried Aaradhya to the only bedroom on this peak and put him down on a baby cushion that was already set atop a larger bed.
"This looks like a sit down... hm. Actually, it's very likely he wants to ask me questions but isn't sure. The battle between logic and religion, I can see it. Am I just a baby or am I something more, it's very obvious what you're thinking father," Aaradhya stared at his father's dark expression and readied himself. Logic seemed to be losing the battle as the high priest opened his mouth to say something but not a peep came out. For minutes, the two sat in silence.
"Forgive me. You should be able to understand me now right," Aaradhya's father spoke a language that he had seen the lord respond favorably to. The high priest's back slouched whilst his face sagged, as if a few decades were added to his lifespan.
"I see. He realized I just didn't understand many of the languages he used earlier. The stress of being the high priest of this cult also seems to have finally caught up to him. But looking at him, he's not very excited that I understand him," Aaradhya nodded yes towards the end of his thought process then displayed more confusion as his father spoke out in a language that he did not understand.
"....Forgive me. I am used to speaking in my native tongue whilst addressing you. I asked if you were truly our deity," the high priest said something but switched back to the language that Aaradhya understood to repeat himself. His eyes burned with a hopeful glint. Death's champion paused for a long while…
"This answer. It's very layered. In one sense, I am their god. Death cultivated their history and behavior to cater towards my every whim. But I am not their god in that, I do not have the power nor the emotional width to care about any of them. At my core, I don't want to be involved with people that make me uncomfortable. But at the same time, I do want to utilize a free resource prepared by an all powerful entity, " Aaradhya's hesitation and thoughts displayed on his face in some way through a frown. After a few moments, he nodded his head yes but not up and down in absolute confirmation, it was just once. The motion looked more like an unsure head bob but it seemed to be enough.
"Thank you, my lord. I will wait until you can share your wisdom with me," the high priest let out a sigh and gasped for air. His posture shot up and a charismatic stability once again held his facial features in a handsome stoicism. In the distance, the laughter and jiggles of excited maids echoed throughout the mountain peak.
"I have one last question, would you do me a great honor and answer this one as well? Before you answer, know that it is a presumptuous question that may be slightly disrespectful in your eyes," the high priest bowed his head and waited for a response. He didn't wait long; Aaradhya nodded his head yes.
"Are you willing to be my son or would you like to be treated as a divine force," the high priest stood up with his back straight and paced.
"I think I understand. Just as I have, you must have kept mother's dream for me close to your heart. I'm sure that If I wanted the second option, you would resign yourself to the role of being my high priest and keep this cult alive, but... ", Aaradhya nodded yes one last time, only this time, he put up one finger then nodded.
"I don't want the cult as it is. Just the resources it has to offer, so work yourself to the bone for me. Father," Aaradhya smiled.
"Are you truly willing to be my son," the proper mask that the high priest wore his entire life, shattered.
"My eyes sting," Aaradhya nodded once more.
"Thank you... Thank you my lord, my son. Thank you," the high priest barely got any words through torrential sobs.
"This idiot, he needs to have more fortitude if he is to be my father... ", Aaradhya cried but remained composed unlike his father since he didn't realize that he was tearing up.
"Now that I think of it, isn't there something I can do to give him just that? This would be mutually beneficial. I could get my meaning across without needing to talk. Now I just need a…", he tried to remember all of the skills of the original hero of Death and recalled a very specific use of his spiritual tethers that the hero only learned a few years into his new life.
"That works,"Aaradhya reached out and touched his father's bowed head. The man brought his head to his lord's feet, overcome with emotion.
"This fool has me crying like an idiot. How useless! Stop crying and do what you must to ensure our future happiness,"Aaradhya held his breath and focused on the spot just above his father's heart. The dark within and behind his eyes erupted with spiritual energy.
"First I need a physical connection... ", the sanctuary within his body, mind, and soul surrounded everything after a brief jaunt through a world of dense fog.
"Then I need to commune with the essence of my own soul... ", he sat down in the reflective darkness and dipped a finger down. Gently, he shaped the abyss upward and as it moved, blue light shimmered.
"Next, I need to hold onto the anchor point within myself and refer back to the connection outside if I can, can I? I could if I maintain my focus... ", Aaradhya held his posture. One hand shaped the glowing Abyss like one would shape clay and the other rested upon the crown of his father's head as he looked at the older gentleman's chest.
"I can do this... ", with a deep breath, Aaradhya pulled the mold from the ground and let his concentration be broken everywhere except for on his hands. From the abyss a bright blue orb popped out of the dark and dripped into the waters with a slimy consistency. As he bridged the gap between his senses, the ball elongated and broke apart into giant pillars that weaved around each other and stretched. As he broke through to the world of fog, the collection of blue thread pulled taunt. When he opened his eyes, Aaradhya held a single hair-width thread that glowed a deep azure color. In a second, he slapped the thread onto the top of his father's head and said…
"Do you understand me now," the high priest stopped crying and slowly raised his head. Jubilation and a dizzying amount of confusion sent ripples throughout his body.
"My lordly son, I do. I don't know how I know but I understand your meaning. I can sense it now. Your glory and presence. It's more than I ever imagined, almost as you are with me...", the high priest held the top of his head with one hand and wiped tears with the other. Aaradhya didn't see his thread, even with soul sense activated but he could vaguely make out a blue line that came from his own heart.
"Oh, it worked.... ", the notification jingled once more and cut off his thoughts.
" Ah. And there we go. I expected some sort of penalty for using my blessing completely unprepared but this is a rather serious level of backlash... " Aaradhya sighed and withdrew his hand as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Have you cleansed me of my sins? My heart feels lighter," Masih Sr, despite not being able to see it at all, felt the spiritual connection between his son and touched his own heart area with a warm smile.
"No. You still murdered dozens of people for this disgusting cult and my mother, so don't take any burdens off of yourself just yet. Atone for your sins through your actions not through some made of grace from a fake deity," Aaradhya Jr shut his dad's daydreaming down real quick as he frowned at the state of his own internal soul world. The abyss looked torn as a golden plate covered the chasm that formed after he pulled away an orb from the darkness. Basically, it looked like his soul was patchworked.
"I understand my lord, Son," Masih Sr bowed his head and exhaled.
"From now on. Keep these facts in mind. I do NOT like the idea of this cult. I DO want its resources. I will help where I can for my own benefit but everything else is to be dealt with at your discretion. As my father, I trust your judgment and ability. And finally, I do have mystical abilities. I will focus on cultivating them for the majority of my time within your care. I will share what I know with you and those that we have both agreed will be useful but don't expect me to fill the role of their god once I am done with the practice I need. One of my abilities has been used on you, which is how we are able to communicate our feelings and intentions. This does not mean we actively share our thoughts and experiences so I will not be taking the blame for any mistakes you have or will make. Do you understand everything I have just said," Masih Sr closed his eyes to contemplate the intentions of his lordly son.
"I do. I will do my best to ensure you can get the most out of your experience here in the mortal realm my son. I will also share all I know with you, if you are willing to learn the ways of us lowly beings," the priest wouldn't shake his groomed behavior in a day so Aaradhya gave him a pass for the prostrating bow.
"Of course I'm willing to learn from you father. For now though, decipher the text in this book if you can," Aaradhya, impressed by his father's quick pickup, opened the mountain breathing technique in his mind and passed his interpretation of the chicken scratch. As he did so, the images and writing transferred over to his father.
"As you wish, my son. I will be going now. I also have to get prepared. These next three days will likely be filled with snake tongues and bloodshed. Figuratively speaking," the priest stood up and met the young ladies who were on their way up to the master bedroom.
"Take care of our lord. A fine bath and meal. When that is over, clothe and groom the lord. Only ask yes or no questions if you want to address him directly. As for the specifics, I will not tell you about your own jobs," the ladies bowed their heads and entered the room after the high priest left. The entire time, Aaradhya frowned and nearly even grimaced. Though he couldn't quite tell what his father was thinking, the man's emotions were on full display. His joy and curiosity nearly drowned out Aaradhya's own emotions.
"Oh my lord," one of the maids rushed over and kneeled down at the edge of Aaradhya's bed and kissed his feet.
"My lord, may you give us the opportunity to clean you," the second lady said. A tiny mole in an odd shape almost seemed to glitter on her ear. It looked like a spade.
"Ahhh, you are so cute my lord," the first lady did not treat the lord as a deity and instead tried to play with him as if he were any other baby. Aaradhya could only frown and sneer since he decided that it was below himself to coo like some normal newborn. He could just barely make out a half clover beauty mark on the woman's wrist as she tried to tickle him.
"Why do I feel as though a massive headache is on its way? I thought my followers were all supposed to be respectful and reserved around me... ", Aaradhya glared at the maids then sighed when they both looked like vultures staring at a corpse. Alarm bells rang inside of his head as a chill spread throughout his bones. For a moment, his eyes flashed but soul sense did not fully kick in as he stared at the girls due to his agitation. He tried to stare at a single point with unbroken concentration but no matter what he did, soul sense did not activate.
"Something is wrong with these two. Damnit. What is it? It was almost like something passed through my body, or touched my shoulder to try and get my attention. Damn, I can only hope it activates at the right moment," if he were able to activate soul sense on command, he would have noticed that the evil spirit that he woke up to, was now in the room. Instead of being close to him, however, it was in a corner of the room, seemingly to avoid the two girls that invaded his space.