8-A matter of Perspective

  -Chapter Start: Backtracking, July 12th, 7PM

  “Oh Dream-Eater… What treasures would you adorn me with?”

  “None fit for such a being as yourself, I’m afraid. Perhaps, if more time is permitted, I may have lone spoils squandered.” Dream-Eater’s voice cooed throughout the shop… Or, more accurately, the mind in which they shaped into such a shop. Little Daegon, trading his trinkets and travesties away for worldly sums never to be remembered…

  “Very well, I will await the trivialities of time. Until then.” Our vision glanced around the shop once more, as it always did after such a transaction. The Dream-Eater slowly making their way back to their den, mingling over their newly acquired demises.

  “We should move on…” I quipped. Managing my powers in a Mortals vessel always led to fatigue, especially when one grows often, such as Daegon. Expanding thresholds were a boon for both of us, sure. Alas, boundless power was burdensome when the objective was not calamity, but discretion…

  …It was wise to never be out so late.

  “Those who walk in the light, should fear those in the dark.” But, more importantly, should fear those that also walk in the light.

  O-hooh. Little Daegon continues to grow. Always after such hardships does that boundless wisdom come forth. What a delectable little thing he is… An urge to slowly devour such a tender morsel sprung forth once more. Maybe, in a few centuries that carnal desire will blossom. But, not today. “Lest one’s cost be snatched by another.”

  A human, maybe a hundred or so meters out, shrieks out in their death-wail. As the carnage of a successful hunt ends, the intoxication of a major player oozes down the roadways. Lights flicker back on, and Daegon decides to move on under the lights once more.

  How boorish. In the past, he’d chase after such horrific sounds, ignorantly rushing to free a husk from a climax already reached. In the end, I would save his foolishness and get a well-deserved meal. But, alas, that spectacular meal will get away from my clutches… Or… Will it?

  …The ability to learn was abundant, the streets were clean, buildings upkept, families blossomed… Sweet Daegon and their philosophical clasps, how ignorant… But, despite their lacking, it was nice to have such a young mind to push against. To learn from how they learn, and guide them to better suit... To better… Guide themselves. “For all the wrong reasons.”

  Ah, the drunken wolf stumbles upon another foolish lamb. Will its wiles get the best of the Lamb, leading to a shocking demise? Or, will it sober up and limp away in defeat?

  … This wolf… It’s different than others. What a peculiar use of its abilities. Pheromones, causing just slight nudges in the behavior of Daegon… She just might be able to force him into her little trap. Now this is entertainment…

  She was too close, uncomfortably close. What a dastardly use, it’s invigorating to see there’s life left in this world outside of wholesale slaughter, and mindless carnage. Her ripped clothes, physical attractiveness… Her allure might even drag me out for an unsanctioned stroll….

  “Hhhmmm….”

  Innocence led him to take the bait, but will only lead her to an unpassionate night of love bites on my Little Daegon, and her skulking away in the morning light. Too bad, she would have been a nice toy too.

  …reached back in my pocket to grab my phone, desperate to make a call. Oh poor Daegon, your Spirit Walker friend won’t be reached with her presence in overdrive. “No Signal.” You should know this by now… “No Signal, something’s close.”

  What’s this though… The hunter… Is hunted? Oh, that’s a rather large ship hunting our hunter. Daegon is but a mere stepping stone to either of them. Unbeknownst to them, that at the end of this chain Is the largest hunter out of them all… Me.

  “Bloodlust is in the air.” As a scratch from our side slowly bleeds. Daegon, filled with adrenaline and feeling the presence of the hunters’ hunter, doesn’t feel the cut, or movement as the were-beasts’ senses are shot alive by his blood. Her body trembles, not out of fear, but lust and desire… Does she intend to break her contract? No, even an alluring treat as Daegon wouldn’t drive such a desirable meal to the edge… Would he...?

  …not remembering the last time I had to expend so much energy. “Three days ago, little one. You had to admire my beautiful form again, remember?”

  Oh poor Little Daegon, always caught in the moment of such mockeries.

  Her hands were adorned with long nails, dripping with blood. Blood? Despite the torn fabric of her clothes, there were no scratches, no bruises. “No bruises, no blood.”

  He’s fighting her allure off, without a single ounce of help from me. It’s been a while since Daegon, or anyone, made me feel Pride in them…

  “But she wasn’t unconscious.” Little Daegon, you acknowledged the situation, but still dare play ignorant? I guess, it’s time for you to play, “Fight or flight.”

  A miraculous, awe-inspiring form explodes from the once elegant amazon before us. Daegon, collapsing under her magnificence, watches as her refined wickedness adorn its true shape. Consequences be damned, she wanted Daegon in all her unbridled lust. Truly, an Apex Predator, worthy of toying with.

  That is a being I yearn to conquer...

  A surge of raw desire beckoned my intimate thoughts from the treat before us. It posed no threat, thus took me a moment to regain composure on the scene unfolding.

  “I guess I’ll take your destiny for myself!” The marvelous specimen cooed, eyes a frenzy. Every fiber in me longed to possess Daegon’s body and claim her myself. But, it’s too close to the climax, and this treat will be ours. “Were the rules broken?”

  In one marvelous, astonishing flash, the final drop happened. Daegon flying across the room, caused a rupture of near ecstasy within. “Broken nose, ribs, cracked pelvis, and your ear drums are ruptured.” … But none of those mattered, she was my prey now.

  But, moments before transforming, there was an intruder, the big boat hunting our hunter. It had been here for a while, but it planned to intervene now. In fact, if memory serves, Daegon actually knew this intruder. Enough of my senses returned to hear her exclaim the falsities of the night’s events.

  “Liar.” I said, borrowing precious Daegon’s lips. My soon to be captive froze, perhaps my desire was too intense. Even more interestingly, the intruder froze as well, masking its presence once more. Too late for that.

  Despite that shock, it seemed to wear from her mind and refocused on the barely moving Daegon. Bringing him up against the wall, she slowly, intently, closed in. Contemplating if this was the best action. Perhaps, she would pull away, and enjoy the boy slowly as she once said… Alas, her mind was made up. Moments before Daegon’s eminent demise, I would strike. Preserving both mind and body, cascading her ultimate meal into the most delicious of defeats. “Death.”

  My hand flickered to life, a rupture of spirit and voracity swept over Daegon’s body, ready to pounce…

  “Zylas, is that you?” The intruder finally made himself known. He looked over, clearly noticing my intent. Is he so confident that I could be stopped by the likes of him?

  Daegon’s once fading consciousness bubbled back forth. Quickly, I retracted my takeover, and redirected that power into his own objectives. A very clean left hook knocked the beast back, causing her to stumble, even bleed. Though, it seemed he did not recognize his success. His fading consciousness beckoned, even pleaded with me to save the kid… How delectably arrogant of him.

  “Liar.” I spoke, one final time. Evident for both of them to see, to hear.

  “Zylas, I think we need to have a talk.”

  Finally, Daegon’s reign was given to me.

  Both Intruder and Beast alike raised their arms as power ruptured forth from Daegon’s limp body, as if the winds of a hurricane threatened to exhaust their very life. Daegon’s body, beginning to gradually float to a standing position, deliberately changed to a much more elaborate form. It was a slow transformation due to injuries, but enough for the being within to still take full control.

  “Kneel before your rightful Queen, and I might spare you, Pup.” I spoke towards the clearly shaken beast. Zylas fell to their knees, unsure of which presence to fear more: Mine, or the Intruder.

  “That simply won’t do. You fear that over me?” I said sinisterly, looking over to the Intruder. “Oh yes, you’re the quiet kid L, no? Apologies for this, as Daegon’s fading wish was for me to save you from her…. Be transported away from my senses, o’ being who dares stand in my way.”

  A dazzling gleam of colors ruptured from my palms, covering the boy entirely. Zylas’ existence and expression could only best be described as the fathomless depths of despondency now, as she glanced at where L once stood.

  “There. Now, Pup. What will I do with a soul of your caliber?” I spoke, walking slowly up to the now half-human formed Zylas and placing my hands on her head, forcing her to look into my eyes. The extasy of her desires turned into one of the darkest spoils upon recognizing the frivolousness they cast it on, nearly rivaling my joining of Daegon… Perhaps… Not that dark.

  “Sorry, while Zylas deserves what you are going to do, I would still like to defer judgement beforehand.” The boy spoke, now walking through the door on the other side of the room. I glanced over at him, then back to the doorway I excused him from before. Zylas had some small flicker of hope return to her eyes. As if he might do something. Without a second thought, I ruptured forth the same power as before and cast a hand at him, but this time….

  “I’m not here to start a fight.” L spoke, conjuring a massive barrier, which surprisingly withstood my leisurely attempts. I stood up, and focused. This boy will not make a mockery of me.

  “In the presence of Royalty, all those in attendance should know their place.” Doubled… Tripled… Quadrupled the power, and L in response erected a stronger and stronger barrier. “Do you know who you dare stand in the presence of, Mortal?”

  “I care not who the Snake gives the Apple to, nor does my authority allow me sovereignty over such divinity. But regardless of my ending, I am compelled to uphold my deal with the World, by any and all means.” L spoke, clearly struggling. I glanced back over, Zylas had evidently passed out moments after I took my attention off her.

  “You’ve spoiled my mood, and my meal. I hope you understand the depths of these transgressions. If I had it, this entire Bastion would be mine.” I spat, ending the farce between us and crossing my arms. L stood there, sweating as his barriers slowly dissolved around him. A small smile did cross my face at the sight. Perhaps there’s more life left in the world after all…

  “That’s not my problem what you decide to do. Zylas, is though.” L said finally catching his breath and looking me over. Perhaps his Contract, or just his keen senses, told him to keep his guard up around me from now on.

  “Before you deal with my spoils, tell me what you plan to do. Or, I’ll have you endlessly hunt a defect you’ll never reach.” I spoke once more, stopping him in his tracks.

  “Under normal circumstances, I would push their existence back through our cycle of life. But something tells me that will be much more work than it’s worth.” L spoke carefully, it seemed as if a small tremble had taken ahold of his hand. That very itch compelling him to deal with this Rule-Breaker so close, yet so far away.

  “How about this, little one. Let’s make a wager. Make her your Restriction. If in the coming months, Little precious Daegons’ heart hasn’t changed on your dearest Zylas, you’re free to do with her as you please. Even more so, I could grant you freedom of that Contract if you so desire.” I toyed with L, slowly drawing out the words and dancing the thoughts around to catch any potential shift in his emotion. Alas, he seemed wholly indifferent to all except concluding this transaction… Interesting….

  “And, if he decides to spare her?” L spoke, the trembling in his hand increasing.

  “Well, you can be free of her Contract by reinstating it. Or should I say, burdening it with me if you’d be so indulgent.” I spoke, with a bit more desire than intended. Despite Zylas passing out and losing my gusto, to say she was a rare catch was an understatement.

  “I hate to ask, but what- “L started, but not before I hastily erected a seal around Zylas. Unholy chains of eons bygone wrapped around her still kneeling unconscious body. Lord looked over and let out a short, defeated sigh. L snaped his fingers, and blackened sigils began to form around his hand.

  “Restriction instated, Zylas is hereby indentured to find, house, and reform, or execute, wayward beings who can endanger themselves, or humans, whom don’t qualify for their contracts. The effective range is throughout Eerie’s Respite, as well as externally if those that threaten its operations are found by her. She is given the privilege to house both those willing and unwilling. She is given the power to edit the positioning of others contract to the designated area in which she rehabilitates, but never away from it unless approved through me. Her previous contract is also included, and all is bound to the letter as originally bestowed, and understood by me alone.” L spoke, as I withdrew the conjured chains. He looked at me once more before walking up to her. Placing a hand on her head, black flames erupted from her eyes, before she fell forward onto the ground.

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  “Will that be all?” L asked, obviously exhausted, and seemingly wanting to leave.

  “Now that you mention it…” I spoke, a dastardly plot forming. I expended far more energy than I should have today, and Daegon’s form would take a long time to heal by my means alone. With L being such an authority… “You are to oversee Daegon’s wellbeing while I rest. It was by your own hesitation that caused such calamitous damage, and the survival of him as well. Surely, you can do such a small task.”

  “Human means will not be enough; he’d have to be tossed into the world it seems you’ve kept him out of.” L spoke in a rather cold, uncaring tone again. Now that his objective was successful, it truly did seem his worldly cares were gone. Yet, for some reason he stood here still playing along. “If that’s the case, I’ll need him to make a deal as well.”

  “That’s for him to decide. But I do believe he’s ready to mingle with your kind. Please do treat him with the utmost care, you would hate me recovering his vitality my way.”

  “This is a lot more work than I need you know.” L spoke, eyes closed and head tilted to look at the ceiling.

  “Good, I believe that can conclude our dealings then. I do believe he’s under your protection henceforth.” At this point, I felt my presence within his body beginning to deteriorate more than necessary. Relinquishing the reigns, his body began to flush the excess heat off as it reverted to his form and fell limp on the ground. … Maybe, I was bit too harsh on the kid, and Daegon… I should leave a lingering thought for him when he wakes up, to stir things up.

  “Rest now, little Daegon. A deal is to be made when you awaken. Take nothing less than everything if you… If we, are to survive. That kid is not what you think.”

  The world had a haze covering it, as if every sense was muffled with a fluffy blanket,. My arms were numb, as if I was relearning how to use them. Slowly, I got a hand to my face, where I felt bandages wrapped around my head. There wasn’t much blocking my view, but I still fumbled to find where it started.

  “Le- t- -r -ou.” A muffled voice nearby seemed to respond to my actions, scaring me a bit. “Whoa th-, t- - easy. I- he- - help -ou.”

  Slowly, I felt their hands touch my head as if making sure I knew what they were doing. After a moment, the bandages started loosening, and I squinted through the final ones falling off. My vision was blurry, and it seemed my hearing wasn’t in the best of states either.

  “Wh- “I began to say, before nearly gagging on my own parchedness. The fuzzy figure handed me a small lukewarm bag, that had a straw in it.

  “Can yo- un-stand m- “the blurred figure asked, my vision refusing to focus.

  “Barely. Sa-same with seeing.” I croaked out between my sips of water. The figured made a gesture of sorts before walking off and leaving through a door. The room was rather dark, as compared to the door they just opened. I sat there, slowly sipping the water sack, attempting to refocus on anything in the room. Was this a hospital? Where was I exactly? More importantly, what ha-

  A red hot, jarring pain shot through my head at the thought. Glimpses and flashes of a horrendous scene flashed before me, before snapping back to reality. There were multiple blurred things in the room with me now, and I seemed to have death-gripped the water sack causing it to spill on myself.

  “Grqzmrxmqyy, Gjmydlzxm, Gjkldqys jv Gwzbdqly Bzyd.” One of the blurred individuals sung, as I felt the spilled water vanish. Slowly, I was sat up into a comfortable position, and… My arms were loosely bound to the sides of the bed I was in?

  “Wh-where am I? What’s going on?” I asked hoarsely, my voice slightly better than before.

  “Safe. Rest? Recover. Calm.” A melodic voice similar to the previous spoke. Before I could respond I felt gravely tired, and quickly faded back to sleep.

  -

  “-ess, with a full recovery. Mentally though, the patient will have to deal with it themselves. Unless, you plan to involve someone of considerable power.” A serious voice was speaking somewhere just as I was coming to. An array of beeps came from a machine nearby, as the door from before quickly opened. My vision had mostly returned, as I saw a stocky male enter in odd clothing. Something about him felt terribly off. For one, he had coverings over his eyes. Secondly, his hair seemed to be alive?

  “Daegon? Can you hear me? You’re in a safe place.” The man spoke in a low tone, his hands up where I could see them.

  “Y-yeah, I can hear.” My voice cracking from dryness. I looked around to see if there might have been another sack of water nearby.

  “I want to make it clear, you’re in a safe place here. You were brought by Lord to be treated for your injuries. Nobody who enters this room is here to hurt you.” He spoke again, slowly and methodically. Who was Lord? What did he mean nobody was here to hurt me?

  I finally realized what was wrong with the man, looking lower I noticed his body went into a snake’s body. “Wha-!”

  “Woah woah, calm down. We treated your wounds and have been taken care of you for three days now. Call me Sthlades.” The snake-man spoke slowly, keeping his hands up.

  “Th-three days? What happened? Where exactly am I?” I began looking down at myself, starting to panic. My memories were coming in abrupt, painful flashes.

  “A hospital, you took a nasty fall.” A very familiar, cold voice rang out from the other side of me.

  “Is, that you, L?” I asked, looking at the white-haired kid lounging across two chairs. He had a file in his hands reading it over. “What’s going on.”

  “That’s the Lo- “Sthlades was cut off as L looked over his direction, then back to me.

  “Remember all those times you helped me out?” L asked, ever so apathetically. “I’m repaying the favor. You’re going to have to trust a lot of what I’m about to say, so I don’t have to repeat myself.”

  Honestly, that was probably the most I’ve ever heard him talk at once, maybe even in an entire day.

  “Starting easy, thank the Gorgon for saving your life and let them do their job. After that, I’ll explain what’s going to happen.” L said as he stood up and walked over to Sthlades, handing him the file.

  “A-alright…” I said a bit confused. L’s presence had always made things feel carefree, but to feel it in this situation almost felt wrong.

  “Alright Daegon, can I begin some tests?” Sthlades asked, getting closer as L seemed to vanish from existence.

  “Sure… Uhm, thanks by the way.” I said quietly, as the air began to return to normal.

  “You were quite the mess. Your skin was damaged, eyes had ruptures, various cuts and bruises, not to mention the broken rips, hand, and pelvis. Under normal treatments, they would have pronounced you dead on arrival.” Sthlades started as he held his rough hand over my wrists. He slowly pulled my arm, raised it, lowered it, then allowed me to place it back at my side. He ran through similar tests for both my legs and other arm. After, I allowed him to raise my shirt and examine the wide-spanning colorful bruises on my front and back.

  “It’s honestly a miracle you’re so well put back together. If you didn’t have that aggressive regeneration, I don’t think you’d be able to see or walk correctly again.” Sthlades spoke finishing up.

  “Regeneration? I-I’m human, I don’t have anything like that.” I spoke puzzled.

  “Right, right. I’m sure Lord will explain things to you better then. I’m going to have Sybil drop off some food and check your other vitals.” Sthlades said picking up the file again and writing a few things down. It caught me off guard when I noticed a snake on his head looking over to me. They seemed to remain still, or resting, for the most part. My heartrate jumped at bit, causing him to look back over.

  “Sybil doesn’t speak your language well, but you have nothing to worry. I’m sure your favored guest will be back before they arrive as it is. Enjoy your stay.” Sthlades said calmly as they turned to leave.

  My mind was a mess, attempting to parse together all the information. I was in… A supernatural hospital? L saved me from a fall? A gorgon brought me back to life? I must be going insane.

  “Far from it, you’re only human.” L spoke, sitting at the foot of the bed.

  “How the hell do you do that?” I yelled, jumping. A wicked pain shot down my back.

  “I can travel through nearly every doorway into other doorways. It’s one of the powers I was bestowed.” L spoke casually, his eyes mindlessly wandering the room. Before I could respond, he held his hand up and a mass of crystals shot forth covering the far wall. It was reminiscent of snowfall, or a cold snap made entirely of white crystals. “I have the ability to do stuff like that too.”

  “So, you’re-” I began.

  “I’m the Overseer of Eerie’s Respite. The supernatural kind.” His words almost carried a serious tone. “I saved you from the Rule-Breaker Zylas, and have Restricted her for such an action.”

  “What do you- “I began asking, before violent flashes struck through my mind in a chaotic pattern. My last memories were insufferable, but I distinctly remember… L, in a doorway, looking at… An unfathomable beast.

  “I was tasked with overseeing your well-being for a bit, Daegon. How about we get you introduced to some more well-mannered beings.” L spoke, jumping off the bed and walking towards the door. It seemed to jostle a bit, but was blocked by his crystalline mass.

  With a simple wave from his hand, the crystals vanished and he opened the door.

  “Sybil, here. Food?” The lady stated as the door slowly opened. Before L stood a mystified woman holding a small tray of items. Glancing down, Sybil let out a muffled squeal at his presence. She hastily scooted by L and approached me. In doing so, her odd facial structure was highlighted. She had an elongated skull, almost similar to that of an otter, with larger eyes and barely-visible whiskers in the darkened light. Barely noticeable fur stuck out from her shirt from around her neck.

  “Daegon, food?” Sybil asked, in a rhythmic dancing of sounds. She held out the tray, showing a silvery bag of liquid, and a small bowl of stew. As well as small bottle with nothing visible within.

  “I, uhm, y-yes please.” Stammering, I nervously accepted the items from her, as she quickly took the bottle off the tray. Outside of chance meetings, this might have been of first non-hostile encounter I’ve experienced. Sybil seemed genuinely happy I accepted as I sat the tray onto my lap, and slowly motioned toward my arm with bottle in hand.

  “Uh, bag is water. That, meat and food.” Sybil’s inflections were very musical, and left me curious if that was intentional or just how she sounded. What was stranger, is that I didn’t feel as nervous as I thought I should. Even as her warm hands began to glow lightly, and she made a small ‘poke’ with one of her nails to draw blood, I wasn’t feeling worried.

  “Is that how you naturally sound? Y-your voice, I mean.” I asked inquisitively, unsure how else to phrase it. Sybil looked puzzled at the question, perhaps not fully understanding it. She didn’t stop her work though, as the glow transferred to the wound and slowly floated it into the bottle she procured.

  “Dwq hzs sjk ybqze xy yxnxrzl dj dwq yjkmt jv nkyxg, Tzqcjm xy zyexmc xv sjk tj dwxy xmdqmdxjmzrrs.” Lord spoke in garbles, now back over on the two chairs he previously was laying across. Sybil’s eyes widened, causing a flushed panic to cross her face. Looking down at my arm, it was as if blood was never drawn.

  “A, ah, voice normal. It is just me, sorry.” Sybil lulled apologetically.

  “O-oh no, I mean it’s really nice. I was just curious.” I hastily responded. Sybil’s expression seemed to quickly change back to happiness as she gave a few quick nods of approval.

  “I need go, happy meet Daegon… Oh! Blood for test, make sure not bad.” Sybil chirped, before quickly glancing back over to L and skittering out of the room.

  “If you hurry up, I’ll have less things to do later.” L bluntly spoke, flipping through the file once more. There was no fiber of my being that believed the events unfolding were real. But here I sat eating a stew in a building filled with boundless creatures. Perhaps by the end of this nightmare, I’d awake on my couch once more, covered in a cold sweat pondering what life was. Perhaps, this was just another irreversible curse on my mind, plagued to repeat for nights to come.

  The room before me was massive, a gathering hall with marble pillars, beautiful displays, and a humbling aroma to tickle the senses of fantasy and feasts. At a glance, it almost felt like a masquerade ball, with the guests in high spirits and laughter abound. Under dressed, and overly cautious, I followed L as he carved a path through the crowd guiding us to a corner on the far side of the room. Wafts of alluring scents, a symphony of beautiful voices, and bedazzled people ogled or cooed as I passed.

  “Though it would make it simpler to toss you in, just follow me.” Lord spoke slightly over the tones around us. It was odd watching such a nonchalant kid part the crowd, as if none wished to inconvenience him. “Vukrar, Daegon. Daegon, Vukrar. Keep things civil.”

  A towering figure turned to face me, as its fierce physique jarred my senses. Around twice my height, it had two sets of crossed arms larger than my entire body. Vicious fangs protruded down its face, which contrasted with its obsidian complexion. Deep, fiery red eyes laid its gaze upon me. It snorted, as if dismissing my very presence.

  “Lord brings forth such a weak human, entertainment for the gala?” It spoke in a deep, hardened tone.

  “Contrary, those in attendance are its gala. Please do keep it safe, I have people to ignore.” Lord coldly suggested as he casually strolled past the figure to the wall, leaning against it and closing his eyes.

  “Hrmm. Very well. Come human, lets have you acknowledge the futility of your existence.” Vukrar spoke, as it began to shrink in size. My mind must be in a dastardly overdriven state to produce such a creature in detail. A noticeable yawn sprung forth from L.

  “Keep him within my view Vukrar, so he doesn’t go insane.” L stretched, seemingly tired from this task already.

  “Then, let the entertainment come to us.” The still-towering Vukrar spoke as it raised a massive arm and pointed outward to a group. I turned to view a being among them instantly take notice and bow slightly, before they began their approach as a group.

  “Blzxyqy pq, Rjlt Fkelzl.”

  “Hwzd tj yxnbrq Tqnjmy jhq dwxy fqls ybqgxzr jggzyxjm dj?”

  “Zlq hq dj ztt yjnq vrzfjl dj dwxy wknzm pqvjlq gjmyknbdxjm?” The three spoke in a symphony of otherworldly praise. Despite the masks, it was obvious their eyes and other features were only human-adjacent. Without a doubt, they eyed me with some nefarious intent. A male of my height approached, and held a hand out.

  “Drirgan, Viscount to, well that’s unimportant. Tell me, do you like to dance?” The creature spoke charmingly, his hand of immaculate care. While his words were honeyed and sincere, it was obvious he planned for much more than just a dance.

  “I, uhm, no sorry.” I shamefacedly answered.

  “Oh you’re scarring the little thing. Perhaps you just need to gently take care of such a delectable- “The second creature of reddish color spoke, as both it and the purplish one flanked me. Their presence, while obtrusive, wasn’t smothering. As soon as one touched my shoulder, they all seemed to recoil and backed off immediately.

  “O-oh, I-I-I, n-no we all must apologize, w-we didn’t know Royalty was in attendance. P-Please apologize to The First Consort, nay, Queen of the Night. W-we bid you adieu.” The trio seemed frightened, as if I was death standing before them. They ended up nearly falling over each other to kneel, and scurry away.

  A deep rumbling came from behind me, as Vukrar seemed to be boring a hole in my back with his glare. A shadow loomed over me, as he outstretched his arm again pointing towards another group. This time, a singular, clearly chimeric entity approached on four legs. Its head, a vicious crocodile, with a furry body reminiscent of a lion, and hind-quarters of a hippo’s. Disregarding it being an entire foot taller than myself, it dwarfed any other natural creature in proportions.

  “Duality of this life isn’t fit for the scales, what travesty have you wrought Vukrar? Or rather, Lord?” It spoke in a surprisingly human tone, almost feminine.

  “What are you?” I asked, more in awe than terror at the sight of such a creature. Regardless, I did end up stepping backwards a few steps to fully envision this beast. Leave it not for nightmares to leave a single detail out from them, to haunt those who finally wake.

  “I am an Aspect of Ammit, I devour the impure. You… Might pass, upon your death. Tell me human, when asked the Rites of Death, would you declare innocence?” Ammit asked, bringing its head down to meet my gaze.

  “M-me? No… I fear my life hasn’t left any innocence within me. Why am I asking myself these questions? This… It’s all just a dream.” I spoke to Ammit, looking around and back to Vukrar. Vukrar’s form seemed to have grown slightly, to keep its position above that of Ammits. L was nodding off in the background, unfazed. When would I wake?

  “Perhaps you would listen to me then, oh conflicted one.” A new voice sprung to life. Turning around, Ammit moved aside to showcase a rather majestic figure. Similar to my size, but could only be described as royal attire made from nature itself… A being of unmistakable beauty and mystery made its way up towards me. Though, its face was covered with a flawlessly blank mask, offering no hint at their true identity. “Do not worry, Lord Vukrar. I merely tend to dispel any notions this naive one hosts. No ill will befall them on my behalf.”

  “Sure, I’m going insane anyways. What does this enigmatic forest being want me to hear?” I responded, with a slight chuckle. Tingling sensations sprung from my body, and it almost felt as if I was on the cusp of reawakening.

  “Sadly human, you are not insane. You, are not currently asleep. All of this is very real, and you will realize that soon enough.” The being began. Shocks ran through my nerves, and my muscles began to spasm. Real, very real pain coursed through my existence as I fell to my knees. If… If this is real, then…

  “Fear me not human, and keep your wits. Live long enough and I’ll provide you answers.” The enigmatic forest being loftily spoke.

  “Haah- This is real? Really real? There’s no reason you would help then.” I stammered, attempting to fight off this gnawing notion. The more I fought, the more I tried believing this was just a dream, the less I truly held to that. This was truly reality. With beasts all around me. With monsters waiting to strike.

  “Pursue the CDS, expand your horizons, and come to terms with the world. Do that, and you’ll have my attention.” The forest being announced, their voice commanding my very senses. As if a multitude of pins and needles pushed a blazing reality into every aspect of my being. A very chilling aura surrounded me and engulfed the floor. Small crystalline structures formed on my hands on the floor, as if drawn to my fright.

  “I would suggest you dispose of your contracts, Kalth.” L demanded, albeit apathetically. His existence, which normally exuded some semblance of calm, seemed to have no effect currently. This insanity kept me locked on the inaccurate truths digging to my soul.

  “The power of Disposal resides within the mortal. But, will he?” The enigmatic forest being, known as Kalth playfully inquired.

  “I… Want to… Learn more…” With repressed desires as my final words, an unbearable reality sank in my mind, causing me to black out: Lord was an Overseer, there’s more to the supernatural than contracts, I was saved by the supernatural, Life isn’t as clear-cut as it used to be, my past needs answers, my present needs answers, my horizons should expand, I… I want to find my place in the world…

  No matter how deeply I reject these notions, no matter the fear of my previous interactions, or how close to death I was brought, time and time again… No matter what lies I spun for myself, this graverobber rebukes my deepest repressions. A glaring, white light fills my mind bringing forth a singularity ringing:

  Today was real.

  Today was real…

  Today…

  Was…

  Real…

  the last 3 chapters in DRAFTS. Shoutout to that person who asked me why I stopped them, so, those are all there now for anyone else who's interested in them. :FingerGunsEmoji:

  A blast from the past, all the way back to Chapter 1 we go! Finally, we get to learn a bit more about those two weeks that we casually skipped over. We get more in-depth with Queen, and the power scale between her and Lord, a look at the world Daegon was finally exposed to... But, why here? Why now?

  Queen truly is? And, is Daegon truly ready for what unfolds next?