The Gods' Decree 178 Splitting Soul

 Draxx was powerless as for the second time when seeing this fiend his thoughts became frozen.

With a stare that sent a shiver through Draxx's skin, Taf looked on but in his mind, there were a few questions that were in need of answers.

He was certain that this weasel had died and by this means forfeited the controls of his art. How was it then that he escaped the grasp of both Marco and Benzalo? With the two being lords this should be inconceivable. 

If he had not planted a fail-safe within Draxx's dantian, his days would have been spent thinking this was indeed the case.

However, after observing Draxx's cultivation that was now at the sixth stage of qi condensation, whatever means surely had significant side effects.

Still, this was quite impressive but what method did he have at his disposal. May too observed from the sky as finally, she understood what Taf had meant when stating not to take the 'little' within his words literally.

While observing Draxx though he had shrunken in size drastically, still he was quite ginormous in stature by most set standards.

With a motion of his hand and to the sheer fright of Draxx, Taf through the implementation of his heaven's art lifted the ginormous being who was covered in fallen debris within the air towards him. 

A feeling of helplessness coursed through Draxx's body, was it even fair to even describe it as his? With no control whatsoever his body was now but a mere husk containing his mind. The only movement he could make was through his lips.

Finally, a few words had escaped from the dried lips of Draxx who was struggling to find a means by which he saw himself through this conundrum. 

He knew to have one more day of life would be a blessing now that his ruse had been seen through. Quickly he blurted out,

"The eyes of this one have now truly been opened, it is evident my misdeeds are bare for all to see.

You, Sir Mouse, indeed are a powerful being and beyond this one's comprehension.

If this one was as of yet uncertain you are worthy to be followed, this one now would like to ask himself if he had some mental illness he was previously unaware of. "

Draxx without any form of shame continuously spouted as Taf remained unmoved looking down on him without a word in return.

Though not hearing a response still seeing that his head was attached to his body there remained slight hope in Draxx's mind.

This being the case he tried to make as much use of his time available while he continuously spouted about his seeming awakening while tears fell from his eyes.

"I've never been a bright fellow but even for me this is a stretch, Surely i will need to consult with my physician as previously there must have been an incident in my past whereby i received some form of brain injury.

Sir Mouse, I am not a man of many words but i will say this, yes i am mentally defective in some capacity."

As he spoke Draxx continuously berated his previous actions as though he was a third party who bore witness to the whole act. He once more spoke,

"How deceiving these eyes of mine were previously. Isn't this a privilege we mere mortals yearn for on this unknowing road we all call life. To be a mere minion among your ranks would be a privilege for someone as wretched as myself."

May though knowing it was a serious matter could not help but stifle her laughter somewhat. Not wanting to spoil Taf's fun she flew a bit higher.

 This man's ass-kissing was on another level. She has come across many characters without any seeming shame but this man without a doubt took the cake.

Draxx was unaware of May's action as still, Taf remained silent unphased by his words. Seemingly his words didn't have his desired impact on the youth. 

With a sigh and realizing his faith had been decided he no longer persisted with ushering praising. He then summoned a cigar to lips.

"Ok let's be frank and honest about things. Judging by your personality you and I are similar."

Drax uttered with an even more calm demeanor. Hearing his words finally Taf responded with a question of his own.

"How so Mr. Chubs? Certainly not by our striking stature I hope."

"If you were in my said position, would you have conceded the rest of your life to the servitude of others? This I presume would be a no. We, free thinkers, like to be untethered by the world."

He puffed smoke as he awkwardly floated within the air unable to make a move of his own free will awaiting certain death. A chuckle was heard from Taf after hearing Draxx's argument.

Then a thought came to his mind. Maybe his initial approach to the weasel had been wrong. With his personality, if he were to subjugate him to his art, that might not be as fruitful.

He was right, if Taf himself was in the same position there was no way he would remain enslaved to anyone. No matter how strong or powerful a foe it might be.

Sure he could kill this fellow with ease but that too would yield no benefit. He was by no means a threat and honestly it would be just butchering the weak for sport.

" Your life is yours but only under one condition."

He then uttered to Draxx's still under his control. If he willed it at the moment he could crush him into a  bloody paste. However, to Draxx's surprise, he felt suddenly being pulled towards the ground seemingly free from his previous restrains. 

Boom!

Draxx fell smashing against the ground which was a mess. He was somewhat startled in the apparent brisk change of heart by this devil.

When since have Devils become so merciful. What next will he see, an eagle forgoing its wings in order to plunge into the sea for a life of leisure fishing?

He became somewhat suspicious as this fiend by his previous actions was by no means a kind soul. He then asked with evident suspicion in his voice.

"...and what condition could possibly buy this small life of mine?"

As though expecting the question posed by Draxx, Taf then rubbed his chin playfully before replying,

" Simply this, tell me the means by which you evaded certain death previously when encountering the lord."

Draxx was never a slow person and as soon as the question was posed he realized the motives behind Taf's words. Apparently, he deduced there was a secret on his body wanting to attain it.

"Sure simply jus..."

As he spoke he realized what a blunder he would have made if he followed through with the thought that had come to his mind to use this as leverage somewhat.

Subconsciously he felt his death would be certain the moment he uttered the words by the stare Taf gave.

With a sigh, he summoned a blue parchment to his hand before throwing it above in Taf's direction.

"This is art i discovered by chance a decade prior. It has no attacking capabilities but is wonderous if one's desire is to survive certain death."

As Draxx spoke Taf took the parchment into his grasp...

Interesting..! 

He thought as all became bare before him. Apparently, this art has two stages each requiring some level of sacrifice.

First, one would need to acquire the services of a creature with the element of water, which was significantly weaker than it's master. The more Taf read it became evident what affinity the creator of this art leaned towards.

Only after feeding the creature the blood of its master continuously for five consecutive years can the second step be taken.

Splitting his soul into two halves. One which remains with the master while the other slowly devoured the soul of the creature.

There was a pause by Taf when he read this in particular. Certainly, this would have disastrous consequences splitting one's soul.

At the end of the process, the user then has a second life or better yet a perfect clown which can take on the properties of the original in case the original body dies.

The benefits though extraordinary with it giving a second life has one significant drawback. Once the second life is used the potential of the previous is lost.

That might not seem as detrimental seeing that a new body is attained, however, due to the first step the new body attained would always be a weaker version of the original.

After weighing the pros and cons of this art Taf then tossed back the art to Draxx which was unexpected.

This in his eyes was a treasure, to have a second life most would kill for. Sure there were some drawbacks but to have an ace in the pocket was never a bad thing right?

To be continued...

Unedited version.

Chapter end