10-Between Worlds

  -Chapter Start: August 7th, 12:20PM

  "Ah, now there’s a familiar face. I didn’t expect you to come so willingly, Mox Daegon." A striking figure sat before me, dressed with an air of regal elegance. His beauty eclipsed any human comparison, with leaves and branches woven seamlessly into the contours of his face and shoulders. Green tattoos, like intricate vines, adorned his skin, glowing in rhythmic pulses that seemed to breathe with life. His eyes were reminiscent of the others, though comparing them would be an insult. A fierce, unnatural pink iris dominated his gaze, slit pupils gleaming with a beauty that bordered on dangerous. Despite their allure, the sound of his voice, and the use of Mox stirred an unsettling unease within me.

  "Tell me, has the package arrived safely?" Director Kalth inquired as he addressed Utagawa, the door clicking shut behind me.

  "Yes, Director." Utagawa responded without hesitation.

  "Splendid. Now then, Daegon, I trust your journey was enlightening. Rest assured, I anticipated your arrival and prepared accordingly. I must apologize, however, for the delay. This was intended to be handled at the front desk, to prevent... unnecessary advances." Kalth’s voice remained even as he flicked a piece of parchment toward me. Not just any parchment, though. “A Fae-Bound Contract, similar in binding strength of an Infernal. Read carefully, and don’t touch.”

  "To summarize, this is your safeguard in dealings with me, Mox Daegon." Kalth continued, his tone smooth and calculated. "As a human, I understand your reluctances when it comes to interacting with our kind." Utagawa moved to my right as the paper levitated to me, her quick hands snatching it out of the air before it reached me. With her back to Kalth, she positioned it within the folder she held, lifting a pen as I began to study the text.

  ‘I, Arch-Lord Kalth, Fae of the Court, give rite of passage to one Daegon Etertwight, to the Dominion of Shinpo no tō, to help facilitate the delivery of CDS goods, and the safe return outside of Shinpo no tō. During said time of delivery, no obfuscation of paths will occur to inhibit movement of Daegon Etertwight. The trickery that is laid on the groundwork of Shinpo no tō shall become clear to Daegon Etertwight. During such deliveries, any and all deals made will immediately be null and void by order of the Fae Court that oversees Shinpo no tō. For clarity: the rules for deals, trickery, and deviousness, also apply to Arch-Lord Kalth. Each CDS-approved delivery requesting Daegon directed to Arch-Lord Kalth allows a reinstating of this Contract, by the will of Daegon alone. Said grace period is set to 24 hours, and cannot be invalidated by any means.’

  “That… Certainly seems genuine.” I muttered, unable to spot any trickery myself in the contract.

  "Wonderful to hear." Kalth said, his enthusiasm slightly more pronounced now. Utagawa, though unmoving, wore a look that mirrored the one she'd had in the elevator when Fuzu made her comments. “The trick to this contract is the grace period, and specifically targeting Kalth. If you sign this, he cannot accept the package due to it concluding a contract between you two.” If that’s true, then should I even sign this? “You should. If you don’t, he might grow suspicious of Utagawa’s involvement. The real power play here would be to sign it, then point out the flaw.”

  I smiled at Utagawa as I took the pen she was holding, shifting the package still in my hands a bit, though she did not seem very amused. With her thoughts blending with mine, a bit of a nefarious idea was spun.

  “Perhaps, Arch-Lord Kalth, you’d be willing to help explain something to me.” I said, my pen hovering just above the signature box.

  “Of course. As I’ll be bound by the contract, you can rest assured that anything I say will be entirely genuine.” Kalth replied, his lips curling into a knowing smile.

  I shot him a strained smile of my own and signed the contract. Utagawa made no move to acknowledge the action, her disapproval palpable as I held up the signed contract. She remained silent, keeping her back to Kalth as I approached his desk. My steps felt heavier than they should have, and a wave of anxiety washed over me, each forward movement threatening to derail my resolve.

  "Can you explain to me why you set a 24-hour grace period?" I asked, my voice streaked with uncertainty as I carefully placed the contract on the desk. "Because of it, I can’t deliver the package as you’ve requested. Why not simply write a clause that exempts package delivery, just as you’ve specifically targeted yourself?"

  The question faltered as my courage wavered. I tried to maintain composure, to emulate her cold demeanor, but I could feel my nerves betraying me. A muffled chuckle from within echoed in my mind, mocking my hesitation. Kalth’s smile widened at the sound of my words, his gaze flickering from the contract to me, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes.

  “Yet you signed it regardless. My you’ve grown in such a short time… Very well, I’ll tell you. Utagawa, you’re dismissed for the day. Take your time leaving, if you wish.” Kalth said as he stood up, and walked to the various planter boxes behind him. I had initially thought he was wearing some kind of flowing garment, but as he turned, he revealed two sets of wings—two at his shoulders, and two lower at his hips. They were ethereal, almost transparent, like the remnants of a starry night sky.

  “What do you mean, I’ve grown?” I asked, glancing back at Utagawa as she closed the door behind her. Even though I only caught a brief glimpse, I could have sworn she was amused by the unfolding turn of events.

  “Well, I’m sure even a human would remember that Gala nearly a month ago. Many other Lords do, I can say that. A mere human not only stumbled in with the Lord, but possesses a lineage of Royal Demon lying dormant within. You’re a big unknown, in quite a small pond.” Kalth’s words sent sharp pains through my mind, and flashes of that night—vivid, real—flooded back, only to be swiftly muted. His smile didn’t fade as he turned back around and approached his desk with slow, deliberate steps. “I see you remember well, and that you haven’t Disposed of your intrigue. Humanity sure is a curious one.”

  “What of my other questions?” I pressed, motioning toward the contract. “I’ve acknowledged the gambit; wouldn’t it be in good sport to tell me what I’m getting myself into?”

  “Oh, truly a fair statement. I merely planned to report a delayed delivery of CDS goods to my secretary as they were leaving. I would have to meet them on the ground floor, knowing their walking pace and tempo of this conversation.” His voice dropped, the familiar trickster edge flaring as he returned to his seat. “Thankfully, it’s only a mere 24 hours. Finding accommodations for a CDS agent would be trivial, your job is rather well respected in this Bastion you see.”

  “You’re leaving out the why.” I retorted, my nerves beginning to fray, but I held steady, refusing to let the conversation unravel.

  “Hmmm… Well, the contract prohibits me from making deals and other tricks during the time its in effect. I guess in human terms, my curiosity will be satiated once you arrive tomorrow.” Kalth’s gaze grew more intense, his enigmatic presence gnawing at my composure. A nervous tremor ran through me, and I turned, taking a few tentative steps away from his desk. “Easy now, little Daegon. We’ve already won, no need to push your luck or perspective he has of you.”

  “Well then, would it be safe to leave the package for you here?” I asked, my throat tightening despite my attempt to sound composed. The shake in my voice was inevitable, but I had no doubt Kalth noticed.

  “Of course, under CDS regulation this is the preferred designated drop-off location. And, even on postponement of signature you wouldn’t be found liable of neglect for a successful drop-off.” Kalth’s words came quickly, but with the precision of someone who knew every loophole. “Leave it to a Fae to play every side.”

  “Well, that’s a relief.” I muttered, turning back around. My fingers tightened around the package, and I swiftly placed it on his desk. “What is all of this, anyway?”

  “Oh, nothing too risqué.” Kalth replied, leaning back in his chair, his fingers absentmindedly toying with a wooden stick. He was shaping it into some trinket, his focus unwavering, though his eyes never left me. “Just all the information I could dig up on a particularly nasty bunch of human cultists from many moons ago. Keepers of Chained Twilight, if I recall. Like most of their kind, they simply vanished over time without a trace.”

  Keepers of Chained Twilight… The name sent a chill down my spine. Kalth continued his work, but his eyes, his entire being, were locked onto me. A rush of emotions surged through me, disgust, fear, and an overwhelming, boiling rage that threatened to overtake my every thought. Even as I felt her presence stir within me, urging restraint, it wasn’t enough to keep the floodgates from opening.

  “HOW!?” I screamed, my voice faltering as the weight of the question crushed me. I stopped abruptly, shaking, unable to even form the thought clearly. Everything that had happened, everything I had endured, there was no human explanation for-… Because Kalth isn’t human…

  “Process of elimination.” Kalth began, his voice smooth, almost detached. “The Order of the Bound Flame, The Celestial Interdict, the Gilded Shackles, even The Iron Circle—though they too went dark around the same time—left records. Where they bound their entities, how to continue binding them. Most even left Oracles behind. But The Celestial Interdict and Keepers of Chained Twilight? They didn’t. Between the two, only Twilight held a singular entity. And worse still, their existence was wiped clean. All the way down to their very souls. But the Fae have their ways of recovering the unrecoverable. A shame, though, none of the fools could even speak the entity's name. The dead, it seems, are not always so cooperative.” Kalth spoke with eerie calmness, his eyes never straying from mine.

  The room felt suffocating, the air thick with tension, as my mind reeled. I felt her attempt to calm me from within, but I was long past the point of reason.

  “Kalth, I swear I’ll…” My voice was low, trembling with rage, as I took a few angry steps toward him, my hand extended, pointing at the Fae before me. Stopping short a few paces from the desk, an overbearing aura finally hit me. Not only Kalth’s, but something from within me too, something ancient and unknowable. My body stiffened as my eyes locked onto the spectacle before me. The room around me began to pulse with color, each hue dancing in wild, chaotic patterns. Greens and yellows melded with blues and browns, like a landscape painted in a mad rush. At the epicenter, an exotic pink, as unique as Kalth’s eyes, blazed with a refined intensity. And then, a deep, fathomless black. It swallowed me whole, enveloping me in a strange sense of calm, an unnatural serenity in the face of the looming despair.

  But just as quickly, my ability to see the auras faded, and I was snapped back to the reality of the Dominion, breathless and unsteady.

  “Well, with introductions out of the way, I believe today’s business is concluded. I’m sure to have quite the offers for you when we meet tomorrow, Daegon.” Kalth’s smile never wavered, though there was an unmistakable hint of frustration buried beneath the veneer of politeness.

  “His goals have yet to be met.” She carefully spoke internally, as a concerning, no, worried feeling loomed. “Should we talk later, Daegon?”

  “Until tomorrow, then.” My words were laced with venom, and I couldn’t suppress the glare that burned through me as I turned and stormed toward the door. With a swift motion, I threw it open and slammed it behind me, the sound of the impact reverberating in the small room. “If I even had a hundredth of your power, I would… Agh, that… Jackass!”

  I stormed toward the nearest wall; my fist cocked as if I would strike it, but I stopped just short. My head fell to the cool surface instead, and I clenched my fists tightly, shutting my eyes as I forced myself to slow my breathing. The rush of rage and adrenaline surged through me, but after a few long moments, I felt it ebb away, leaving nothing but a simmering frustration in its wake.

  “Wow.” A feminine voice suddenly pierced through my thoughts, causing me to jump. “Here I thought you were all looks and no bite.”

  “U-Utagawa!?” I yelped, stumbling toward a nearby chair as if it might offer me some support. But before I could completely fall, she was there, grabbing my arm and steadying me with surprising strength.

  “Sorry, I wanted to wait for you to see what happened. Didn’t expect you of all people to have that much rage in them.” Her voice was touched with amusement as she walked back to the desk, picking up a small bag of items as if nothing had happened. “Well, let’s go get some drinks and cool you off.”

  Before she could make it to the elevator, the door to Kalth’s office swung open. We both froze, caught in an awkward moment, unsure how to react.

  “Oh, you’re still here, Utagawa. And Daegon… That’s a surprise.” Kalth’s voice was slightly confused as his gaze shifted between the two of us. “The uh, delivery cannot be completed today, sadly, Utagawa.”

  “Oh, understood, sir.” Utagawa’s tone shifted dramatically, becoming more formal. “Daegon, was it? Want to come for drinks, then? It would be improper of us not to show you some hospitality.”

  “Indeed…” Kalth’s voice had an almost knowing quality to it, as though this was all part of some subtle game. “Utagawa, maybe treat him to some food as well? You can use it as a company expense for the inconvenience.”

  “Sure thing, Boss.” Utagawa’s voice was back to its professional cadence as she gestured for me to follow. “If you’d excuse us, then.”

  “O-oh, yeah. Thank you, Director Kalth.” I managed to say, my voice strained, though I hid the spite simmering beneath.

  “I still can’t believe you slammed the door. What even went on in there? I thought you were ignoring my warning about the Contract, but you saw the pitfall and still jumped. That really had to piss the Director off.” Utagawa spoke after slamming back her drink. She quickly reached over and pressed a button on a screen to finalize another round of drinks.

  “You didn’t hear?” I spoke nervously, unsure how much Utagawa overheard.

  “When the door’s properly closed, nothing gets in or out of the room. When we arrived it wasn’t closed, but I properly closed it when I left. Then, you slamming it also ensured it was closed. A barrier of sorts forms to ensure privacy.” Utagawa explained matter-of-factly, as another round of drinks arrived, despite my barely touched glass.

  “Well… Kalth has information about my past.” I muttered, staring down into the foamy gold of my drink. There weren’t many places in Eerie’s Respite that served alcohol—it was considered a luxury, so I was savoring mine. Utagawa, on the other hand, was happily sipping hers before she finished it off with a single gulp.

  “Doesn’t surprise me. Kalth has a habit of digging up dirt on anyone he takes an interest in… So, are you gonna drink that, or are you just gonna stare at it?” Utagawa motioned to my untouched drink, her voice light but teasing. “We’ve got all day and a blank check at Kalth’s expense. Don’t hold back.”

  The implication hung in the air, and I couldn’t help but take a long sip, the drink burning pleasantly down my throat.

  It was well past midday when we finished Utagawa’s ‘de-stress from work drinks,’ and we found ourselves walking down one of the bustling streets of the Bastion. The towering Dominion of Shinpo no Tō loomed behind us, one of the three largest buildings in the entire city, and the largest by far. A relic of a time long past, it had been restored to its current splendor. But even as it towered behind us, I couldn’t shake the eerie feeling it gave me. I’d been told it wasn’t just a place for ‘workplaces and blocks,’ and I was lucky to have only seen its more mundane side. Apparently, whole floors hid things I’d rather forget.

  As we continued down the road, the vibrancy of this booming Bastion didn’t escape my notice. Oriental dragons and other mythical creatures were depicted across the buildings that were painted, carved, or sculpted into the walls. They ranged from small, friendly beings to massive, terrifying figures. Utagawa explained that it was ‘part of tradition to show respect’ to both the supernatural and one another, with the décor serving as a reminder of that respect. Much like Eerie’s Respite, cleanliness here was paramount. The air was thick with the fragrant smells of cooked meals as we passed dozens of people—some of whom definitely didn’t feel like people at all. For reasons I couldn’t explain, none of them reacted to me, but I could feel their prying eyes and intentions.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  We walked for some time, Utagawa ranting about the stresses of her job and the 'problems' Fae had when interacting with humans.

  One thing that really stuck out was the architecture. The slanted, curved roofs and the eclectic mix of styles with unique artwork everywhere, was a stark contrast to Eerie’s Respite’s simplicity and robustness. The density of people, too, was overwhelming. At one point, Utagawa had to pull me forward when I nearly froze up from the sheer number of bodies around us.

  “Man, you’re really not from here. Too many people for ya? Don’t worry we’re almost to our free food extravaganza.” She giggled, and I couldn’t help but be a little concerned that after four drinks, she might just pass out any moment.

  We quickly turned down a side street, and I was immediately hit with the heavy mix of scents that made my stomach growl in protest entering through a side door.

  “Come on, this way. They’ve got a private area. All on the company card.” Utagawa cooed, flashing a mischievous grin. She waved at one of the cooks in the back, raising two fingers as we made our way through the kitchen. “I’ve been coming here forever; I’m pretty sure I own half the shop at this point.”

  We entered a small private room with a round table and four chairs. We took the two closest spots, opposite each other near the entrance.

  "So, since this is on the company’s dime." Utagawa said with a grin. "Why not try a little bit of everything?"

  To say the amount of food delivered was astonishing would be an understatement, especially considering the sheer volume of booze. It felt like enough to feed a dozen people, yet Utagawa didn’t hesitate for a moment, diving right in. Mountains of noodles, soups, and even raw dishes piled high on what looked like a cloud of white vapor. Curiously, nearly every ingredient was raw.

  “Alright, Daegon.” Utagawa said, wiping her mouth after polishing off her first plate of the raw delicacies atop the white cloud. “I’ve been rambling on about my job. So, how do you like working for the CDS? Can’t say I’ve ever heard of a human working there before.” She tossed some raw meat into a boiling pot between us, the steam rising in a swirl.

  Taking closer note, the boiling post had two sides with two different aromatic liquids bubbling at the bottom. Utagawa was clearly an expert in this, as she loaded up both sides appropriately, and turned on a smaller pot and began tossing in noodles.

  “Well, it’s definitely hasn’t been easy.” I replied, reflecting on my first days there. “It’s… less work than I’ve done before. I used to salvage outside the Bastion for goods to resell. Spent more time out there than inside, you could say.”

  “Ah now that sounds like stories you can tell.” Utagawa grinned, filling up two glasses and sliding them my way. “Life outside the walls isn’t something I’ve even considered, probably ‘cause of all the damn work they stuff down our throats.” She pushed the smaller glass toward me even more. “Drink the little one first, then chase it with the big one.”

  Nervously following her instructions, I knocked back the small shot of booze and nearly gagged, quickly slamming the larger glass to clear the taste. A few coughs escaped as the burn hit my throat. “That was horrendous!” I coughed out.

  Utagawa burst into laughter halfway through my struggle, her face lighting up with amusement. She quickly arranged a small plate of the raw food on the cloud before me. “Oh man, I knew this would be great. Don’t worry, this is much better. And hey, don’t stop your story now. You got any work buddies in the CDS? How’s life outside your walls?”

  I stared at the raw dish she slid in front of me, puzzled for a moment, before glancing over at the meat she was working with. The cuts were pink, with symmetrical lines running against the grain. It looked just like the stuff Utagawa had devoured earlier, so it couldn’t be that bad, right?

  “Well…” I hesitated, picking up a piece of the meat and examining it closely. It was cold and had a sticky, white cloud beneath it, composed of small, long strands. “The only partner I’ve had in the CDS is an armored bear. He’s literally double my height. Really kind, though…”

  “A bear? Like, one of those big forest animals in books?” Utagawa’s eyes widened. “God, I bet that’s absolutely terrifying.” She shoved a steaming bowl my way, filled with the noodles and meat she had just cooked. “Don’t worry about the food; I’ll cook, you talk. Tell me more!”

  Over the course of the massive meal and Utagawa’s increasingly boisterous volume, we ended up sharing more than a few stories. Before the evening hit full stride, an individual I assumed was the owner came in to thank us for our patronage, offering more food and drinks, then sealed the door to our little room. The entire experience, despite our short acquaintance, had the uncanny feeling of being with old friends. Whenever my mood seemed to darken or my thoughts wandered, Utagawa would launch into fresh shenanigans from work or her personal life to keep things moving.

  Utagawa spilled the details of her predicament with gusto, explaining how she’d out-drunk Fuzu, leaving her flat on her back and fumbling a betted contract. As a result, Fuzu had been forced into the subservient role, and that it fundamentally changed her character.

  “Not that I’m complainin’.” she muttered, following a lengthy “aaaaaaa-omp” as she dug into a hefty slice of cooked meat. “She was a pain in the ass before. Seriously, though, why of all people did she think I’d wanna marry her?”

  Tricking Fuzu seemed to have invalidated any prior contracts she was bound to, and nearly every Fae stopped bothering her altogether, including those she worked with directly. The ‘biggest downside’ as Utagawa put it, was that Fuzu had moved in and had been relentlessly pursuing her ever since.

  “She’s literally head over heels for me.” Utagawa grumbled, taking another bite. “And sure, she’s pretty. But I can’t possibly like a Fae. And she’s so damn short. Makes up for it by being the biggest pain in my ass, though. That’s for sure. Both mentally and with her hands.”

  Our conversation meandered through many topics, other beings and creatures we’d encountered, how Eerie’s Respite functioned, and, eventually, Utagawa poking around about any love interests I might have.

  “C’mon, a young guy like you must’ve put the moves on someone. Neither of us is gonna remember this after all these drinks anyway!” Utagawa said cheerfully, slamming back another in her endless series of drinks with a satisfied sigh.

  “Well…” I hesitated, then downed my own glass and set it back on the table. “The last person I tried to date turned out to be a Kitsune. That didn’t go so well. Though I think she thought I was something else entirely. And, uh… I’m pretty sure a werewolf is interested in me. Still not sure how I feel about that.”

  “What!?” Utagawa nearly choked on her food, setting down a fresh plate to gape at me. “You’re telling me a fox spirit and a werewolf are into you? Are you living in some kind of trashy romance novel or what? Wait, are they hot?”

  “I-I mean, uhh…”

  “Oh, they are!” she crowed, her eyes lighting up. “Wait, so how does that even work? Can you, uh, you know… Do you need them to stay in their human form or…? Could you like, get them both at the same time…?” Her voice trailed off as she leaned back, toying with the idea like it was the juiciest of gossip.

  “I-uh, have it on good authority t-that... J-Jaskrim said there’s humans that live with the supernatural willingly, and even have relationships.” I spoke, attempting to divert any further questions to myself. Whirls of emotions on that subject were all over.

  “Ohhh, the giant bear man? He’s covered in fur, right? Bet he gives the best hugs. Fuzu just gropes me.” she added with a laugh, grabbing another empty plate to stack onto the towering pile. She paused, suddenly realizing the extent of our carnage. “Good lord, did we eat all of that?”

  I blinked, coming back to reality. The table was a battlefield of empty plates and drained glasses, towering high enough to inspire a sense of shame, or pride. Nothing remained in our wake.

  Intoxicated and carelessly venting about our lives, Utagawa paid the bill, and we stepped out onto the now dimly lit side street. Dusk had settled in, casting long shadows over the uneven pavement, but that didn’t deter Utagawa from leading us to our next destination.

  “The director told me to-, to, make sure you got treated well. Well, I’m gonna make sure I do ju-just that!”

  The electric streetlamps of Home were replaced with hanging lanterns adorned with decorations, their flickering light casting shifting shadows on the buildings. A cool breeze drifted down the street, carrying with it the mingling aromas of nearby food carts. Once again, I could feel things around us paying attention, but never coming closer than necessary.

  Utagawa kept talking as we walked, sharing the history behind the streets and why they were built the way they were. Her words flowed easily, filling the silence in a way that felt oddly comforting. Eventually, we reached a bustling street alive with the chatter of people and the clatter of food stalls. Bright lights spilled over the road, and the smell of fresh food hit like a wall.

  “Nope. Nope, I’m-I am good.” I spoke quickly, immediately turning back around.

  “Nooooo, wait Daegon. Just the first place I promise it’ll be worth it. I haven’t steered you wrong yet.” Utagawa beckoned as I turned to see her already making headway, attempting to usher me on.

  I smiled, and laughed, and laughed, and laughed... So much, that I ended up buckling and having to knee to regain my balance and composure. This whole situation, this entire day… Is this what it feels like to be normal again? Was this what I left behind years ago? Were these feelings what I traded away? Utagawa had made her way back up to me at some point, kneeling beside me. I looked up wiping my face, not realizing I was just crying.

  “Hey.” she said gently, sounding surprisingly sober compared to her previous speech. “How about we call it a day?”

  We took to the side streets, a stark contrast to the bustling main thoroughfares. The atmosphere was almost tranquil, with faintly glowing lanterns hanging from the entrances of housing areas, casting a soft, warm light. The distant hum of the crowded streets lingered behind us, a reminder of the chaos we’d left. Despite the distance we walked, the lights and monolithic presence of Shinpo no tō still loomed, ever dominant. It was a landmark so prominent that anyone, whether inside or outside the Bastion, could orient themselves by its sheer stature.

  Finally, we arrived in front of a sizeable house as Utagawa pushed open the iron gate. Compared to my modest hovel, this place was a mansion. The two-story structure seemed vast, easily rivalling the size of The Den. Only now did it hit me, we’d stopped talking almost entirely since she suggested we head back to her place.

  “Oh, don’t get the wrong idea. We only got the bottom floor, right at the front.” Utagawa explained, gesturing to a nearby door.

  Stepping into the house, she flicked on a light switch, revealing a clean and meticulously organized space. A small meal-prep and dining area greeted us immediately, with a storage room tucked to the right. The flooring changed partway in, prompting me to watch as Utagawa slipped off her shoes before stepping onto the new tiles.

  “Home with guest.” she hummed, her tone playful as she began loosening her clothing and made her way further inside. After locking the door behind me, I followed her lead, removing my shoes before moving past the threshold. Entering the dining area, I noticed a door to the right, slightly ajar, revealing a compact but elegantly designed bathroom. My gaze swept the rest of the room, quickly noting the absence of extra sleeping spaces or separate rooms.

  “Hey, Daegon.” Utagawa called from deeper within. Her voice came from one of the unlit adjoining rooms down the hallway. I followed the sound into the shadowy corridor. “Fuzu’s out cold in that side room. You’ll be sleeping in here.”

  At the end of the hallway was a decently sized room, though shadows kept it shrouded, leaving much of it obscured. Amid the dim light, I caught a faint glimpse of Utagawa’s outline moving things around. I took a cautious step forward before pausing—my foot had landed on something unusual. Glancing down, I struggled to make it out in the gloom, but it appeared to be a pile of dirty laundry. Nudging it aside with my foot, I looked back up just as the light flickered on to reveal…

  “So, am I prettier than that werewolf, Loverboy?” Utagawa whispered, her voice low and teasing as she appeared silently in front of me. Startled, I scrambled backward, landing ungracefully in the hallway. She stood there, her tall, powerful frame exuding both strength and allure, accentuated by her minimal clothing, which only emphasized her well-toned muscles and generous curves. A quiet snort escaped her as she tried to stifle a laugh, her expression flickering with amusement before she turned to leave. “That’s payback for going silent on me all the time.” she murmured, her tone both playful and triumphant.

  “I-uh-uh-o-okay.”

  “Oh gods, that face was priceless. You’re never going to live that one down.” Utagawa called out, still giggling from the other room. Slowly, I got back to my feet, the weight of today’s events pressing down on me like a lingering storm cloud. My back hit the wall, and my mind drifted to the whirlwind of encounters. From Zylas and The Den, to Jaskrim and Duals, and now Kalth and Utagawa. But also…

  “Seren… Arc… Yao… Layre… Am I allowed to move on...?” I muttered under my breath, the ache of old wounds prickling at my thoughts.

  “If it be a day or a millennium, the dead would want you to carry on.” a soothing voice came from beside me.

  “You’re probably right…” I murmured, staring blankly at the ceiling. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sharp jab to my side.

  “Ow!”

  “Don’t get the wrong idea about my wifey.” Fuzu said, her sharp tone snapping me out of my daze. I glanced down to meet her gaze. Despite her petite stature, her presence carried an undeniable weight. “She’s making the moves on you, so I won’t complain. If it makes her happy, I won’t stop her… She’s been happier today than she’s been in months.”

  “I-I don’t think sh-” I faltered, but Fuzu cut me off with a quick, dismissive wave.

  “You know what I am. Don’t try to shroud the truth.” Fuzu said, her voice calm but firm. She started toward the ajar door in the hallway, pausing briefly to glance back. “Survive Kalth, and maybe we can exchange favors.” A yawn escaped her as she disappeared into the shadows.

  Despite the ache of old memories clawing at my mind, Fuzu’s words left me with a strange sense of peace. It had been months, maybe even over a year, since I had the clarity to truly reflect on my past. Caught between lingering ruminations and the chaos of the present, today felt like it might be the nudge I needed to move forward. Or, at least try.

  I let out a low, resigned sigh, scratching my head as a faint smile crept onto my face. “Maybe it’s time to move on…” I murmured.

  “Fu-Fuzu get to you, too?” Utagawa said from the doorway, leaning against the frame and wrapped in a large blanket. Her face was flushed, and she clutched yet another bottle in her hand.

  “Nah…” I trailed off before attempting a confident tone. “Should we keep the night going?”

  “Oh, you’re cute.” Utagawa giggled, her eyes lighting up. “Alright, lets keep the night warm together.”

  She led me into a dimly lit room illuminated by the flickering glow of a few candles on a low table. A large couch, or maybe an oversized bed, rested against the far wall. Utagawa flopped onto it with the fluidity of someone well accustomed to their intoxication. I chose a spot a short distance from her as she stretched and sprawled out before sitting back up.

  “Alright, Loverboy. Drink up.” she said, holding out a bottle.

  The bottle was fresh, with only a minimal amount missing, but its strong aroma hit hard. I took a quick swig, hoping to avoid the worst of the burn. Utagawa reclaimed the bottle, letting her blanket fall slightly to reveal more of her figure once again.

  “Now, let’s play with qu-questions. Let’s t-take a drink, and answer.” Utagawa spoke, taking a small sip. “Why haven-aven’t you mentioned any other people? Werewolf this, bear man that.”

  She wasn’t pulling any punches, but in my current state of emotional highs and lows, I felt oddly ready for the challenge.

  “Well, I have three friends who are still around, but I try not to bother them much. The last group I hung around with…” I hesitated, feeling the familiar swell of intrusive thoughts clawing their way to the surface. “They died. I had a girlfriend during that time… Someone I was really starting to get close with…”

  I paused, the weight of my memories pressing down on me. Utagawa scooted closer, her attention steady and calming. I reached for the bottle, taking a long drink.

  “And… I got her, and the rest of them, killed. No, I…” My voice broke. “I was the survivor.”

  The room fell silent. The candlelight flickered gently, the only movement in the heavy stillness that followed. Somewhere deep inside, I believed I was to blame, but there was also something that quietly urged me to let go.

  “I had family, and a really strong friend group a few years ago.” Utagawa began, also watching the candles dance together. “But for one reason or another, a lot of Fae, and other assholes, took interest in them. My parents were the first to be charmed, and my brother ended up disappearing. Shortly after, my two best friends ended up falling for a demon’s deal…”

  There was a small pause, as she looked over and gave a forced smile, before returning her gaze to the candles. “I tried everything I could, but the ones who took them wouldn’t budge or accept any kind of bribe.”

  Her voice cracked slightly. She stared at the bottle before taking another deep drink, tears tracing silent paths down her cheeks as she leaned against my shoulder.

  “I stumbled across Kalth by accident.” she continued; her tone tinged with forced optimism. “He must have seen something in me because he offered a deal. He said he could free them all, find my friends, bring everything back to normal.”

  “So, I offered up something beyond my life. He kept his word. Everyone came back, perfectly fine, with normal, happy lives. But… every single one of them forgot who I was. Even people who had nothing to do with it. I was a nobody to them, just a stranger they passed on the street. And Kalth made sure I couldn’t forget.”

  Her voice wavered as she laughed bitterly. “My brother Isamu, my parents, even my best friends—they’re all still a part of my life. But only in passing. For three years now, I’ve watched them from a distance, weekly reminders of what I lost. Forced agony, of only knowing their life continues without me.”

  “Then there’s Fuzu. She felt like an escape from that hell. I thought she could challenge Kalth’s contract and break me free, but… she couldn’t. That beautiful, stubborn little bitch couldn’t keep up. And now…” She glanced at me; her voice soft but weighted. I didn’t notice it until now, but she ended up wrapping an arm around my waist and nuzzled up. “Now I think I’m falling for her… Gods, what a cruel turn of fate. My kind don’t even look my way, and now with Fuzu even the stupid cryptids won’t go near me…”

  It was… A beautiful calamity, I thought. Misery is difficult to compare, yet sharing it offered a strange, calming solidarity, a perspective I hadn’t realized I needed. Utagawa clung to my side, her warm tears soaking into my shoulder.

  “I would of… I have done the same.” I murmured, wrapping a gentle arm around her and softly rubbing her head. Taking the bottle from her, I tilted it back for a hefty drink. We were definitely drinking too much, too fast. “Seren, and that group was my adventurous comeback. Before that, I made a deal to escape my own living hell.”

  Utagawa shifted, leaning more heavily against me for support. She draped the loosely clinging blanket over both of us, though it barely managed to cover me at all. With a tired huff, she slid back onto the bed, settling into the mountain of pillows and covers surrounding her.

  “About fifteen years ago, I…” I started to recount, only to be interrupted by a light kick to my back.

  “No more trauma sharing, or we’re just gonna cry ourselves to sleep together.” Utagawa interjected, a faint, forced smile softening her words. “Come here. You still gotta tell me I’m prettier than that werewolf.”

  A laugh escaped me, completely unintentional.

  “Oh, don’t laugh, I’ve worked hard on this body, you know.” She protested; her tone exaggeratedly indignant. “I hit the gym regularly and everything. Are you seriously gonna tell me some lewd mutt is more attractive than me?” She pouted, her expression teetering between irritation and mock offense.

  “No… You’re definitely prettier.” I whispered, a wave of shame creeping in as I realized just how much my thoughts were now spiralling.

  Her face turned smug, her arms wrapping tightly around me as she pulled me in close, so close it was almost suffocating.

  I managed to push back slightly, putting a little distance between us just to breathe. She hummed in victory, clearly savoring the moment. Unfortunately, my thoughts didn’t stay contained. One of them slipped out before I could stop it. “Valia was really soft though…”

  “Well, then I’ll just have to up my sleep game to stay ahead.” Utagawa retorted with a sly grin, catching me completely off guard. My face immediately burned with embarrassment.

  “Hey, get comfy too.” She said, pushing me back gently as her hands tugged at my shirt. Her own cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, a rare crack in her usual confidence.

  “I…” I stammered, flustered and unsure of what to say.

  She pressed two fingers lightly against my lips, silencing me.

  “Just… Please give me that comfort. For a night…”