-Chapter Start: August 8th, 8am
Warmth, a forgotten comfort after a long day. Under any other circumstances, my mind would have flagged this as one of her tricks. Yet, with Utagawa gently wrapped around me, no such suspicion surfaced. A faint chill lingered as the morning light crept into the room, soft and muted. Her gentle humming filled the still air as I stretched cautiously, taking care not to disturb her.
The faint aroma of food drifted from another room, likely Fuzu cooking. Quietly, I slipped from Utagawa’s tender hold, dressed, and padded down the hallway. The grogginess in the air signalled Fuzu’s presence before I even saw her.
“Sleep well?” she asked, her tone unnervingly calm compared to her usual bluntness. Moving with unnatural speed, she placed a plate of perfectly arranged food before me as I took my seat at the table.
“O-oh n-“ I began, before she let out an exhausted yawn.
“Boy, I’m of the Fae Court. I can’t trick you into a contract right now. Just eat.” Fuzu stated bluntly, sliding into the seat opposite me. Her nonchalance paired with the exquisite meal before me left me momentarily stunned. I glanced between the food and Fuzu, unsure.
“So, any plans on handling Kalth?” she asked, her piercing gaze breaking the momentary silence.
“Well, part of me wants to finalize the deal and bail.” I admitted, poking at the food, a yawn slipping out. “But I know better than to think it’ll go that smoothly.”
“I hate to say it, but you’re handling all of this surprisingly well.” Fuzu remarked, her sharp eyes fixed on my tentative prodding at the meal. “Even without the wifey’s aid, there’s something about you that seems… resistant to most Fae traps.”
Relenting, I finally began eating. Between the soft, cloud-like morsels from yesterday, the perfectly steamed fish, and the array of small, colorful side dishes, the meal was nothing short of incredible. A fleeting smile crossed Fuzu’s face before she stood and moved back toward the kitchen area.
“Should I… wait for Utagawa?” I asked, pausing to reflect on the night before. As I looked up, Fuzu’s unnatural speed came into view again, her movements a blur. “Ah… Leaving before she wakes would be wildly inappropriate. Sorry for even suggesting it. I’m just… not sure I’m in the right state of mind for what she might want.”
“A warm, hot body and that adorable flustered look of yours is all I need, Loverboy.” Came a playful whisper into my ear from behind me. Two arms wrapped around my neck in a teasing embrace. A small, involuntary squeak escaped me as Utagawa chuckled and let go.
“Fuzu, are you trying to impress our guest with all this?” Utagawa asked, sliding into the seat next to me and snatching at the side dishes on my plate.
“Oh, honey, you know I’ll always give 110% if it’s for you.” Fuzu replied, a note of affection in her voice.
“Well, let’s not let any of it go to waste.” Utagawa said with a groan, picking at the spread. “Let’s talk about Kalth over breakfast.”
“Director Kalth, Daegon has arrived.” Utagawa announced in her formal tone, holding the door open for me. Kalth looked every bit as enigmatic as yesterday, his unnervingly confident smile plastered across his face.
“Splendid. According to our business records, it seems Mox Daegon has been treated remarkably well. Not only to our culture but to our cuisine as well.” Kalth remarked smoothly.
“Yes, sir. I ensured he experienced the best we have to offer, as per your request.” Utagawa replied, handing over a stack of documents she had meticulously reviewed and signed prior to our arrival.
“Ah, and I see the… Groups of Interest… Have reported back.” Kalth noted, scanning over the documents. We had arrived at the Dominion with mere minutes left on my Contract with Kalth. By the time I stepped into his office, only seconds remained. As if on cue, a large magical circle materialized before me. The previously written contract hovered in the air, its shimmering ink hardening into a stone-like texture.
“Contract completed, Daegon.” Utagawa declared, stepping forward to retrieve the floating parchment. She carried it over to Kalth, placing it on the table before retreating to her station near the side of the room. Moments later, the CDS delivery contract appeared briefly before Kalth, only to vanish just as quickly.
“Signature completed.” Kalth intoned. He picked up the Fae Contract and glanced at it briefly, though his gaze seemed distant, as though he were reading something far beyond the parchment. “Perhaps we should amend that silly little limitation in your Contract?”
A cold shiver ran down my spine as I took a cautious step forward. “I-I’d like to add the ability to complete CDS deliveries.” I said carefully.
“Very well,” Kalth replied, his tone light but cutting. “However, you’ll only be permitted forty-five minutes on-site. Since it took you fifteen to arrive today, I’d say that’s more than generous.” The contract floated into the air, glowing as arcane symbols rewrote its terms.
“That’s fair.” I replied, my voice steady but guarded. My eyes flicked toward Utagawa, who was already jotting notes. “Am I free to take the package?”
“Of course, it was a part of our arrangement after all.” Kalth said, his smile widening. He twirled the same twig I’d seen yesterday between his fingers, his gaze flicking toward me with unsettling amusement.
As I reached for the package, he paused, his expression lighting with some new, troubling thought.
“Oh, but that does bring me to a rather intriguing idea.” Kalth mused, his voice playful but calculated.
“I… Don’t think I’ll be interested.” I said hesitantly, instinctively pulling the package closer. Despite my growing irritation with Kalth, I knew better than to indulge him. Prolonging this conversation would only invite more danger.
“Worry not, Mox Daegon.” Kalth replied, his tone light as though my hesitation amused him. “This is more for your benefit, and my curiosity. Inside that package lies not some, but all the remaining information on the Keepers of Chained Twilight. By all, I mean everything.”
His words hung heavy in the air, their weight mirrored by the package in my hands. My grip tightened involuntarily as the full gravity of his revelation sank in. Dangerous curiosity clawed at the edges of my mind, begging me to open the box.
“What are you offering in exchange?” I asked, my tone laced with begrudging caution.
“Hmm… I could offer many things for such potent information. Even from my position as an Arch-Lord, that knowledge could prove invaluable. Imagine the uproar it would cause if a being such as myself owed a favor to a mere mortal.” Kalth’s voice carried an unsettling ease, his words teetering between candor and malice.
The room felt unnaturally still, as though even the air held its breath. Why would Kalth, a figure of immense power, willingly place himself in my debt? Before I could dwell too deeply on the thought, his smooth tone cut through my hesitation.
“Power, fame. I could bring a Bastion under your control with trivial effort. That Zylas of yours would pale in comparison to the grandeur of what I could bestow. Or…” his eyes flicked toward Utagawa, “are you perhaps seeking something… more intimate?”
“Why…” I began, but Kalth interrupted, the corners of his mouth tugging upward ever so slightly.
“Oh, why indeed. Is my life so dull that I must stir the pot on a whim? Are my enigmatic motivations far beyond your comprehension? Or perhaps…” he leaned forward slightly, his eyes boring into me, “I’ve taken an interest in the speck of dust Lord foolishly amuses himself with. Maybe what lies beneath your fragile mind is a threat I cannot ignore. Who can say? After all, the answer rests solely in your mere mortal hands, clutching that fragile little package.”
Kalth straightened in his seat, his usual smile slipping into a colder, more neutral expression as he placed the twig from his fingers onto the desk.
“As much as he is threatening us, he’s also laying his cards on the table. He’s done his research. Even if we accept his Favor, and use it to protect ourselves from him, he might have other contracts in place to harm us afterwards that he has purposely forgotten. What will you do, Little Daegon?”
“What if… I share parts of my past instead of handing over this information?” I offered, a bead of sweat trailing down my temple. My eyes dropped, nervously weighing my limited options. He hadn’t explicitly stated it, but something about his demeanor made me think he hadn’t seen the contents of the documents yet. That ignorance made them all the more valuable.
I glanced back up, startled to find Kalth’s typically unnerving smile replaced by a harsh, contemplative glare. He appeared lost in thought, his scrutiny pressing down on me like a tangible weight.
Before he could voice his conclusion, I stepped forward, emboldened by desperation. “Wouldn’t a first-hand experience be more valuable than any ancient texts?”
“I believe in such a dealing, it’s difficult to properly assess the weight of what you wish to share.” Kalth said, his tone measured as he continued to ponder the proposal.
“A Fae’s gamble, but this time in favor of the human.” Utagawa muttered under her breath. Her voice was barely audible, but both Kalth and I turned to look at her. She quickly realized her mistake, her eyes darting downward to avoid our stares.
“A Fae’s gamble indeed…” Kalth mused, his lips curling into an entertained smile. “Very well, Daegon. You will recount your recollections and reveal the inner workings of this Cult, including information regarding the being within…”
“The being within is strictly off-limits.” I interrupted sharply; my voice laced with an anger that burned behind my eyes. The sudden flare of emotion seemed to catch Kalth off guard, his gaze narrowing for a moment before he burst into laughter.
“Oh dear, it seems your Intrigue is finally being wielded against me.” Kalth said, his mirth settling as he recomposed himself. “Very well. Excluding details concerning the being within, you will share all inner machinations and recollections of Cult activities. In exchange, you shall retain the scavenged information of the Keepers of Chained Twilight. Furthermore, I, Arch-Lord Kalth, will bestow upon you a Favor of power equivalent to my station.”
"However,” Kalth added, his smile sharpening. “This Favor shall not be used to inhibit my existence or prevent future dealings with you directly. Should you wish to annihilate Eerie’s Respite or even Shinpo no tō, that will remain within the scope of your bargaining. Utagawa, would you kindly leave the room?”
Ding!
As the elevator doors slid open, I let out a long, exhausted sigh. Utagawa stepped out first as we returned to the first floor.
“You have no idea how much of a headache my life is about to become…” Utagawa groaned, stretching her arms above her head. “Anyway, here’s a…”
“Daegon!” a booming voice called out, followed by a near door-shattering sound. I turned to see Jaskrim striding toward us with massive, purposeful steps, an ornate spear in hand.
“Is everything alright? Did they make you sign anything? Is… Is that a Preferred Delivery Provider form?” Jaskrim fired off a barrage of questions, his sharp gaze flicking between Utagawa and the paper she held.
“J-Jaskrim! I-I didn’t expect to see you here… I was just wrapping things up.” I stammered, stepping back to give him some room. “Oh, uh, this is Utagawa. They helped me navigate yesterday. Utagawa, this is the big guy I was talking about, Jaskrim.”
Jaskrim wasn’t dressed in his usual CDS attire. Instead, rusted metal bracers adorned his forearms, and the ominous spear he held radiated an unsettling presence. His expression was one of concern, but his entire demeanor screamed that he was ready for a fight.
“What the absolute fuck is that?” Utagawa muttered, and I glanced back to see her on the floor, staring up at Jaskrim with wide eyes. “That’s Jaskrim?! I-I mean… your Jaskrim? No wonder you’re not scared of the Fae!”
“Who is this human to you, Daegon?” Jaskrim asked, his gaze darting between us and the other onlookers. Though he showed no outward aggression, the tension in the air was intense, and no one dared approach.
“L-like I said, Utagawa helped me out a ton yesterday. I… agreed to be her agent to return the favor.” I explained, glancing between them. Jaskrim dropped to one knee, his massive clawed hand extended toward Utagawa. The way his claws gleamed under the interior lighting didn’t help her nerves.
“My apologies, human. When Daegon was gone for so long, I couldn’t sit idle any longer. I’m grateful you looked after my partner.” Jaskrim said, his tone softening. Utagawa hesitated before taking his hand, and he lifted her effortlessly to her feet.
After helping her up, Jaskrim retrieved the paper she had dropped and handed it to me. “It seems I may have overreacted. Forgive me, Daegon.”
“No, no—you’re fine, Jaskrim. I should apologize for taking so long.” I replied, relieved the tension had eased. I glanced at Utagawa, who was still visibly shaken. “Hey, remember how I said I owed you a talk? Are you free to do that now?”
Utagawa, still avoiding Jaskrim’s gaze, interjected nervously, “W-well, Daegon, I need to get back to work. Director Kalth will definitely have more tasks for me. Is it okay if I request you again… without payment?”
Jaskrim tilted his head, considering her words. “It’s not unheard of. CDS would list it as a non-priority. Though, having both a Preferred Delivery Provider and an unpaid delivery request? That’s not really heard of.” His sharp eyes flicked to two passersby, who quickly moved further away under his glare.
“Yeah, I’ll see you soon then, Utagawa.” I said, giving her a reassuring smile before turning my attention back to Jaskrim.
“Well.” Jaskrim said, his tone more composed, “I don’t have any work notices today. Let’s get you back to the CDS, and then we can talk.” He gestured toward a nearby doorway, ushering me ahead.
The sheer amount of paperwork I had to fill out was staggering, compounded by Duals’ relentless questioning about every detail of the delivery. It culminated in her filing an injunction against Kalth for breaching CDS guidelines due to the “hiccup” in the process. Based on her rambling, though, it didn’t seem like this would amount to much for someone of Kalth’s standing. Once I completed the Preferred Delivery Provider form with a Payment Waiver, Jaskrim and I were finally free to head off for our own conversation. He’d offered to take me back to his residence, a proposal that left me with equal parts curiosity and apprehension.
“Don’t worry, Daegon. I’m sure it’ll be comfortable enough for you.” Jaskrim reassured me, holding his necklace to the door. The pendant glowed briefly before the door unlocked and opened.
For the first time, I had the chance to watch the spectacle of Jaskrim navigating doorways. Standing several feet taller than the average frame, he turned sideways, crouched, and slid through with surprising fluidity. It might have been comical if he weren’t so practiced and efficient at it.
Beyond the door was a breathtaking sight: rows of blossoming flowers arranged in neat planters; their vibrant hues illuminated by the light filtering through a glass ceiling. A faint chill lingered in the air, and as I shut the door behind us, I felt an almost meditative calm take over the space.
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Jaskrim hummed contentedly as he moved carefully down the central aisle. The planters displayed a wide array of colors, yet there was an underlying order to their arrangement.
“This way, Daegon. Watch out for the little ones.” he instructed, gesturing toward the flowers. He led me to a large door at the end of the greenhouse. I followed, stepping into the main house—a space that caught me completely off guard.
The interior was warm and rustic, reminiscent of a log cabin but scaled up to accommodate someone of Jaskrim’s size. As I turned back to close the oversized door, it gave a satisfying “clunk,” securing us inside. The greenhouse, attached to the cabin, seemed like a newer addition.
“This place is huge. Did you build it?” I asked, my eyes sweeping over the room. Wooden trinkets, hand-carved with precision, decorated the space, mingling with modern touches like a radio, electronic components, and an old TV.
“Not entirely. A friend started it a long time ago, but my partner and I finished it.” Jaskrim explained, placing his spear above a massive fireplace. The logs inside were fresh, likely prepared for a long-lasting fire. He crouched, poking at the logs with his bare hand, seemingly unbothered by the flames. “They always overfill it when I’m away for too long.”
“Is your partner… around?” I asked tentatively, continuing to take in the room.
A corner caught my attention, a massive bed piled with blankets that could only be described as Jaskrim-sized. Around it was intricately carved objects, some fashioned from stone. Moving clockwise, I noticed the entryway, a human-sized door in stark contrast to the rest of the house. My gaze returned to the fireplace as Jaskrim adjusted the logs. Nearby was another door, and in the adjacent corner stood a well-crafted table with seating for four. Finally, various storage containers occupied the last corner. Looking up, I marveled at the immense logs used to construct the cabin; the ceiling was so high I couldn’t touch it, even if I jumped.
“They might’ve gone into town. But no worries, Daegon—I already told them about you, so they won’t be too surprised.” Jaskrim said, standing up and leaving the fire alone. He moved toward the table and began removing his bracers.
I joined him, setting my backpack down and emptying my pockets. My phone briefly lit up before dimming again, catching Jaskrim’s curious gaze.
“So… There’s no easy way to say this but I have a Contract of sorts with-… Well, with the entity I share my being with.” I started abruptly, pushing my anxiety quickly aside.
“The one who calls themselves Queen, right?” Jaskrim asked, lifting a large stone centerpiece from the table. As he turned it over, I noticed the faint beginnings of a carving etched into the other side. He carefully resumed working on it, his claws moving with surprising precision for someone of his size.
“Right, Queen… She’s… It’s a mutually beneficial exchange for the most part. Very much a give and take.” I trailed off, unsure how much to share. Before I could decide, a warm, soothing sensation flowed through my arm. Valia’s Contract briefly illuminated, signaling she was either entering or leaving the house. Placing my hand over the glowing mark, I acknowledged her presence. For a brief moment, it felt as though our thoughts aligned, and then the light dimmed.
“I’m guessing you can’t share the details of your dealings. Does she treat you well? Is it something either of you can end?” Jaskrim asked curiously, his focus still on the carving in his hands.
“One could say little Daegon leaves me with more scraps than fruits, Jaskrim.” Her voice, smooth yet commanding, interrupted my own. Jaskrim froze mid-carve, his gaze shifting cautiously toward me. “I’ve given Daegon many boons, and only Daegon can cancel our Contract. If it be on his death, or willful termination.”
“I have many questions…” Jaskrim said carefully, his posture tense as though bracing for something. “But, I’m relieved to know you’re not outright malicious.”
“She’s brought her fair share of troubles and has a wicked sense of humor. The truth is, I wouldn’t be here without her. But you could argue I’d be better off if I’d never made the deal in the first place.” I said, my tone steadier than I expected. A flicker of amusement stirred within, followed by the faint echo of a sinister laugh.
“A bit bold today, aren’t we, little Daegon?” she teased, her voice laced with sardonic amusement. “But you’re not wrong. There are countless graves filled with those who’d agree with you.”
“There’s always a give and take in any deal, no matter how one-sided it seems.” Jaskrim said, his carving strokes growing firmer, more deliberate. “I hunt for food for myself and my partner, and I love every moment of it. Out in the ocean, I can swim freely, hunt freely, and savor the songs of the sea. When I bring back more than we need, my partner uses her magic to preserve it for later. In return, she teaches me things I wouldn’t have learned on my own.”
“Your hunting gives her food, and she teaches you in return. I can see how that might feel one-sided.” I mused, staring down at the table. “Li… Queen, keeps me alive and safe from grave injuries, and she helps me in ways I can’t repay. In return, she gets to rest ea—Ow!”
A sharp pulse of purple energy jolted through my arm, cutting me off mid-sentence. The sensation was startlingly similar to what I experienced dealing with the Fae.
“I do not rest easy, little one.” she interjected; her tone sharp with indignation. “The strain of channeling my power through your body is no trivial matter.”
“What I was trying to say…” I continued, wincing as I closed my right eye and rubbed my temple, “is that she gets a much easier existence compared to being on her own. Sharing isn’t always simple, especially when the balance of power is so skewed.”
Jaskrim looked lost in thought for a moment, his expression contemplative as he listened. Then, a small smile crept onto his face. “Maybe you don’t see it, but from where I’m standing, it seems like a balanced system.” he said with a slow nod. “If I had to guess, Daegon, you hold more power than you realize. Queen might be incredibly strong, but it only makes sense that your bond evens things out in ways you both might not fully grasp.”
Jaskrim and I talked for over an hour, discussing minor details about my interactions with "Queen" and how she’s influenced some of my decisions. The conversation naturally veered into the complexities of my life. The other beings I’ve been entangled with, and even a bit about Utagawa. Though, I intentionally left out the part about L transferring Zylas’ Contract to me. Jaskrim seemed particularly excited to learn more about Utagawa, or maybe he was just fascinated by human relationships in general. His curiosity was refreshing, offering an unbiased perspective that was rare to come by. It was like Utagawa’s honesty, but… Person?
I couldn’t help laughing when he started asking about Utagawa’s favorite foods.
“Sorry, I’m sorry. I was… I’m just… My own stupidity got the best of me.” I spoke, recovering from my fit of laughter. “I… Jaskrim, we’re different… Obviously, right? But, it took me this long to really understand you’re not… I don’t know how to say it.”
“Everyone is different Daegon. Me and my partner are, just like you and I are. Even you and Uta-uh, Utaaaa-person are different. But, I’m happy you see me in such a happy light. Oh, that does remind me, I am going to be out from working at the CDS for a while. So, you’ll probably get assigned different partners.”
“Wait, what? Why?” I asked, caught off guard by his sudden change in topic.
“Yeah, winters around here mean less food and I was asked to go on a few big hunting trips. So, I’ll be off for a while. But don’t worry, I recommended a few others to fill my spot for you. I’m sure Duals was gonna tell you when the time was appropriate.” Jaskrim said cheerfully.
By now, he was more than halfway through his stone carving. To my amusement, it was shaping into a massive fish. His attention to detail was remarkable, especially since he wasn’t using any tools—just his claws.
“Are they… Friendly?” I asked, a twinge of concern creeping in. Though, I reminded myself I could always handle deliveries alone if it came to that.
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Jaskrim replied, chuckling. “But I’m sure they’ll give you a chance. For a human, you’ve gained a bit of recognition for the work you’ve done so far. Plus, your dealings with the Fae? That’s bound to spread like wildfire.”
He set the carving down and stretched, his massive frame shifting as he moved. His gaze felt contemplative, as he looked out the nearby window. It struck me again just how effortlessly he worked with stone, carving it so precisely with nothing but his claws.
“I think I should go check on them.” Jaskrim said suddenly, his tone shifting to a more thoughtful one. “It’s about to get dark, and they might need help carrying things back. Will you be okay, Daegon?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks, Jaskrim.” I said, offering a small smile.
He gave me a slight nod before walking back to the fireplace to retrieve his spear. As I slowly gathered my belongings, he made his way to the Greenhouse door, pausing to point toward the front door.
“You should be able to use your Traveler’s Rune on the front door. That’ll keep you from being interrupted.” Jaskrim said, opening the massive door with practiced ease. He glanced back briefly. “I’ll see you around, Daegon!”
With that, Jaskrim stepped through, letting the door close behind him, leaving me alone in his cabin. A deep quiet settled over the space, the kind of tranquillity that felt both comforting and isolating. I stood there for a moment, absorbing the stillness and the faint warmth of the fire.
Still clad in my CDS attire, I considered my next move. Maybe it was time to change out of these clothes, head back into Eerie’s Respite, and find some time to decompress. There was so much to unravel… The mental clash between the worlds I was caught in, the weight of my contracts, and the lingering questions that never seemed to leave my mind.
“Its been a while since its been just… Us.” I stated aloud, laying on my couch. The house felt cozier than its normal barren nature. Valia had made good on her promise to spruce things up. Posters adorned the walls, curtains softened the stark windows, and other small touches filled the space. Even the couch, which had seen better days, had been fitted with a cover. With extra pillows and blankets, it was remarkably more comfortable than my previous setup.
“Truly, your life has been turned on its head for the better course of a month now, Little Daegon.” She cooed, playfully toying with my thoughts.
“Not like I had much choice.” I replied, the whirlwind of recent events flashing through my mind as she playfully swiped through them.
“Well, it worked out better than I expected. Who knew an Overseer could be swayed so easily?”
“I still don’t think of L that way, and honestly I don’t think you should abuse his trust like you have been.” I retorted, with an uneasy feeling sinking in my chest.
“A girl needs her fun; you know how I get when I’m bored.” She teased, her voice dripping with mischief. “Besides, aren’t you dragging your own heels with a handful of lovely girls?”
“That’s untrue…” I started, but control was abruptly ripped away from me.
“Ainai, Carna, Valia…. Even Zylas, you lucky little thing. Don’t you think for everything you’ve done; they deserve some recognition? You already acknowledged Jaskrim. But that doesn’t absolve you of your previous sins.” She stated bluntly, her tone driving home a twisting knife.
“I get what you’re saying… But how long did it take for me to accept you after the fact?” I countered, grappling with my own insecurities. It wasn’t far from the truth to say that my positive interactions with the supernatural were few and far between… Until, recently.
A heavy pause lingered in the air before we both sighed simultaneously.
“Two months and eight days, after our contract started. Right after that mortal you saved put a bullet in your chest… You were so fiercely na?ve, to believe those on the outside were any better than those within.” She spoke as flickers of the event passed by within; emotions escalating in intensity.
“Back then, humanity was scarier to me than the supernatural…” I whispered, my eyes wandering the ceiling. As I shifted slightly, a pillow perched above tumbled onto my stomach with a remarkably solid flop. It was uncovered, fur-strewn, and visibly worn from frequent use, a bit deformed but strangely comforting.
“It would be wrong not to think that way. The nightmares of today were inspirations of your Kin. Though, some calamities were reality all along.” Her voice softened, sorrow tinging the truth she uttered.
“Ainai… Originally thought I was a Hunter, not that I blame her.” I murmured, anxiety lacing my tone as I broached a difficult topic.
“Well, you were born and trained in their ways. If the Kitsune held true to their experience, we might have a very different situation.” She spoke once more, a drip of amusement poured from my voice. Her devilish curiosity wrought flashes through my mind, of ‘what-ifs’.
“We… Well, I… No… We, on our contract, severed any ties to that path.” I stated firmly, sitting up and resting the pillow on my lap.
-focus-
My suspicions proved true as I examined the pillow closer; it faintly radiated Valia’s aura. A small smile crept across my face as I gently squeezed it. Scanning the room, I spotted other objects with the same lingering hue.
“Should I admit my past to her?” I asked, more to myself than her.
“I am not to decide your choices, Little Daegon.” She replied, guiding my gaze toward a particular corner of the room. It overflowed with my own aura, oppressive and unkind. Weapons, survival tools, and various implements of utility sat there—remnants of a life prepared for the worst. No matter how much I stared, I couldn’t discern my own color, only that it loomed over the space like a shadow.
“I do owe Carna a great deal of thanks… I don’t think she’s ever given me a reason to think poorly of her.” I said, my voice softer now, almost reverent.
“Carna has all the pleasantries Zylas lacks. Seems only appropriate someone in that lineage had some.” She spoke with ease, her mind twiddling away at some unknown process deep within me.
“They’re related?” I asked, a bit perplexed.
“Mmm, to a degree. Closer to… Cousins, in human terms.” She replied, after a moment of careful pondering and poking at my thoughts. “Though, overall Zylas is her own unique being.”
“Explains why their appearances feel so alike… Even their aura.” I realized, my mind flashing back to prior encounters.
“So, little one, what of Zylas and Valia? Have your nerves steeled enough to acknowledge their happiness?” She asked, her tone teasing as she happily gnawed on the edges of my wandering thoughts...
“I… Don’t know about Zylas…”
“She only killed you, it could have been much worse. Besides, she willingly submitted herself to your will. You quite literally hold her life in your hands—a pleasure I desperately want.” Her voice held a dramatic, almost theatrical edge, but not a hint of deceit. It was rare to feel her upset. Rarer still to sense envy.
“You say it like…” I began, but a devilish, harsh smile crossed my face before she stole my words.
“… like there are things much worse than death. Oh, precious Daegon. You know what I mean.” She said smoothly.
“Regrettably…” I muttered.
“And finally, of the delectable Valia. Such sweet prey…” she cooed, her voice dripping with mischief. "Might you finally crumble under the weight of her compassion? Or are you saving those honeyed thoughts for your… newer acquaintance?” Lewd thoughts and desires clattered against the inside of my mind, unbidden and relentless.
“Please, stop that.” I said sharply, my voice louder than intended as I shook my head, futilely trying to dislodge her ruthless projections.
“At the very least, I mo…” she began, but my sudden spike of irritation caused her to stop. A small chuckle escaped my lips despite myself.
“Oh Daegon, you know I tease… But, you should do something with her.” She urged, her tone shifting to something more devilishly sincere.
“If it were so easy to just give in to your first choices and feelings… If you don’t remember, the first time I gave into my feelings…” I began, but my voice wavered as my emotions flared.
“Every time you make it abundantly clear…” She started, but I cut her off.
“Then why is it so hard to understand I don’t trust easily? First you, then… Then… Seren…” My voice broke, and a lump formed in my throat, stifling any further words.
Minutes passed in heavy silence before I managed to calm down.
“A contradictory little one you are. Trust, at its utmost… or none at all. Tell me, your own feelings.” She spoke, her voice uncharacteristically gentle.
“I… I want to trust her, and the others…” I admitted, hesitating slightly as I sorted through my thoughts. “Ainai wouldn’t be an issue. Zylas, as you would say, can be controlled. And… Valia…”
“Go on, what of her?” she asked, her curiosity palpable.
My thoughts took a different turn, leading me to an unexpected question.
“C-can… Can we make Amends?” I asked quietly, looking upwards to the ceiling, as I felt power begin to resonate from me.
“You really want to trust them, just like we did with Arc, or Layre?” She began, steering the conversation into treacherous waters, fully aware of the storm it would stir.
“Isn’t it time I moved on? You’re basically saying it yourself. I need to do something to show them that I’m… that I’m appreciative.” I said, my voice wavering with uncertainty, though I tried to muster enough conviction to stand by my words.
“You speak so adamantly, yet you’re the one who sold your memories to escape the pain of those situations. Your memories. You can’t possibly be so arrogant to think you haven’t been dipping into mine, searching for answers you can’t bear to face.” Her voice carried an undeniable authority, sharp and unyielding.
“N-no. I-I…” I faltered, desperate to find some way to deny the truth. But no matter how I tried to twist it, the facts stared back at me. I was pulling from her memories… Whether, consciously or not. “You’re right… But the only way we… I… Get better is to move forward, right? I want to trust someone again. Trust them with it.”
“Trust someone like you did with Seren?”
“You have NO RIGHT mentioning her name!” I shouted fury boiling over as my head throbbed with the weight of my anger.
“Then remember the position you put her in, Little Daegon. Or I’ll be forced to clean up yet another mess.” Her tone was calm, deliberate, and carried a chilling weight, each word piercing deeper.
“YOU are the reason for that mess! You could’ve…” I snapped, my voice trembling with rage, my thoughts spiraling.
“Could of what, allowed my existence to be exposed to the world? Allowed your blatant disregard for our contract to pass? You knew the risk.” Her words were methodical, spoken with a chilling calmness that only served to intensify my anger. She was remorseless, the memories she projected making her stance crystal clear in relentless clarity.
“There wasn’t…” I tried to deny it, but the memories she dredged up painted a damning picture.
“There was more than enough proof, that harlot Seren…” She quipped, her voice cutting deep. “And now you’re pinning your hopes on Utagawa, or maybe Valia…”
Her dismissive tone when mentioning Seren—and dragging Valia into the fray—was the final straw.
“I SAID YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO ADDRESS SEREN, AND THAT GOES FOR VALIA!” I roared, pacing furiously as if yelling at someone sitting on the couch. I didn’t even realize we had started moving, her voice and mine blending into one chaotic storm in my head.
As my tirade echoed through the house, the front door suddenly flung open, stopping me mid-step. In the doorway stood Valia, her face twisted with fury, ready for a fight. She scanned the room, her expression slowly shifting from anger to confusion as she took in the scene.
“Who were you…” she started, her voice trailing off as her eyes darted around the room, searching for answers.
heart-to-heart... Part of me wanted to drag all 3 of these events on much longer. How well do you think this all faired? Would you of enjoyed any or all of these instances longer or more detailed? Even if it meant another chapter?