I ran down the halls as fast as my legs would carry me, finding myself in front of a door with a metal plaque that read Lucile Verona Feyren. I went to knock but right as my fist was about to hit the wood I could hear the soft sounds of sobbing from the other side. My hand fell to the side as my back hit the door and slid down until I was sitting in front of it. I sat there, lamenting my decision to tell her and after a few hours, I fell asleep.
- Lucile's pov
*sob* *sob*
A human?! How? Why? Did my father not notice? I- can't do this. I heard the sound of something hitting the door. It must be Kai. I-I can't look at him right now. After a while, I got up off the bed and carefully opened the door, revealing Kai, sleeping outside my door with a sad look on his face. I carefully walked past him and went back to the garden. The only place that I can think clearly right now.
- Kai's pov
I felt a sudden feeling enter my mind and as my eyes opened, I saw a glimpse of a familiar looking figure duck into the shadows of a hallway. Getting up and stretching my stiff body after sleeping in such an uncomfortable position I realised who the person I saw looked like.
[Kai] "No way..."
I raced into the shadows, looking around frantically for the auburn haired person skulking around in a castle filled with raven haired individuals. As I'm at a loss for the position of the mysterious individual, I'm pushed into the wall as another body rests up against mine, dyed red hair flowing down as her eyes shone with blue brilliance.
[Sara] "Hey Kai, long time no see."
Why, or rather how is this bitch here? And better yet, why is she brushing up against me like a cat in heat.
[Kai] "what are you doing?"
[Sara] "I'm sorry for rejecting you for so long... the truth is... the way you are now... I want you. So take me. Right here, right now-"
I gripped her mouth shut and slammed her into the ground with surprising force before mounting her and gripping her arms tightly.
[Sara] "you like it rough huh? I can do th- y-your grips a bit tight don't you think?"
Bitch you ain't seen nothing yet. I gripped tighter, tighter, tighter until I heard bones snapping and I covered her mouth as she let out a muffled scream.
[Kai] "who the hell are you?"
[Sara] "wh-what do you mean...? It's me! Sara! I thought you loved me!?"
[Kai] "then I guess you didn't do your research correctly. What are you? A mind reader? Did you try to take a peek inside?"
[Sara] "I-I don't know what you're talking about!"
[Kai] "I'm not in the mood to hear your bullshit. I got enough from the real one."
[Sara] "y-you..."
I got up, picking her up by the neck as I did so.
[Kai] "why are you here."
[Sara] "I-"
[Kai] "lie and you die a death worse than Lors."
[Sara] "..."
The fakes body shivered in fear before its shape began to twist and change form. After the red haired aim of my hatred disappeared, what I was left gripping tightly in my hand was the neck of a nude, green skinned girl with white hair and black eyes.
[Kai] "what are you?"
[Girl] "I'm... a doppelgänger..."
[Kai] "Name."
[Girl] "G-Grishna.."
[Kai] "alright Grishna. Why are you here?"
[Grishna] "R-request to the dark guild.."
[Kai] "elaborate."
[Grishna] "I c-can't tell y- ghuk!"
I squeezed her neck tighter turning her face from a dark green to an airless blue.
[Grishna] "destroy the garden... hurt the lords daughter... Destroy their trust in you.."
[Kai] "...why."
[Grishna] "I... don't know."
[Kai] "then you've outlived your usefulness."
Gripping her neck with all my strength, the sound of snapping echoed from the shadows as I let her limp body fall to the floor. I turned to face the direction of the garden, noting that in my reflection on a glass vase, my eyes had a slight twinge of gold in them. I quickly brushed off any thoughts though considering I had something much more important to do.
I need to get to Lucile. Quick.
I broke into a run at speeds I thought impossible for me without the use of a word, reaching the entrance to the garden in no time at all. I barrelled into the room to see Lucile standing defiantly in front of her mothers tree while staring with a fierce yet afraid glare aimed towards the man in front of her. Me?
[Lucile] "Why are you doing this?!"
[Fake Kai] "I'm through with this place. You're no longer necessary so I'm getting rid of you. Simple. {Holy flames that guide the dark to the hellish landscape they belong}
A white magic circle appeared in front of his palm as I realised what was happening. Without any time to think, I acted. Sprinting in front of Lucile as the lance pierced my back, the searing pain was unbearable. Worse than anything I'd felt before. I grit my teeth to stop myself shouting out in pain but couldn't help a small grunt escaping my mouth.
[Lucile] "wha-Kai?! What-what's going on here?!"
[Fake] "tch, I guess him being here means Grishna failed. Oh well, just means I don't have to split the pay."
I collapsed into Lucile's arms as we both fell to the ground and my vision started to get blurry.
[Kai] "I'm sorry..."
[Lucile] "w-what are you saying?! Why did that flame hurt you?! It's only meant to hurt demons!"
[Kai] "I... don't know..."
[Fake] "it is interesting... but it doesn't matter now since he's going to die soon enough. Now where were we?"
- Lucile's pov
[Lucile] "Kai? Kai!"
He's fallen unconscious and losing blood rapidly. If I don't do something right this instant then he doesn't have a chance.
...
I'm sorry Kai.
I pulled his neck close to my face and bit down, drawing blood.
[Fake] "one last meal huh? Alright I'll allow it."
More, more, more.
[Fake] "alright, that's enough. Time for me to finish up here. {Holy flames that guide the dark to the hellish landscape they belong}
As death approached, I froze in its face. I no longer had my fangs embedded in Kai's skin. Just as the lance was about to pierce straight though my head, a familiar hand reached out, grabbing hold of the lance with ease.
[Lucile] "Kai..."
[Fake] "h-how is that possible?!"
He turned his head slowly to face me and my expression turned from one of glee to horror. His eyes were golden, like a royal, like me. But they were shrouded, uncaring, they almost seemed unseeing.
He directed his attention back towards the fake him, coldly staring at him.
[Fake] "you think just because you've healed that you can somehow win? Ha! Haha..."
His nervous chattering trailed off when Kai casually crushed the magic lance in his hand.
[Fake] "d-do you think that scares me?!"
The fake Kai placed both his hands out in front of him and began chanting what I believe is an upper middle level spell however, with speed that even my eyes could barely keep up with, Kai raced forwards, stopping directly in front of the fakes hands and gently placed his hand on the fakes chest. A purple spell circle appeared where he touched and black lightning coursed through the fakes body and the air around him.
[Lucile] "n-no chant..."
I've never even seen him use magic, let alone using it without chanting.
Before the fake had a chance to fight back, Kai threw his left fist towards his face, smashing into the fakes chin followed by a right hook to the side of the face and finally a side kick to the stomach that sent the fake flying backwards. The fake tried to get up but was met with Kai's cold gaze.
[Fake] "y-we are prepared to die the moment we accept these missions! So don't think you've won!"
The fake pulled out a small scroll of parchment and unravelled it. It started to glow and the fake chanted a single word that sent a shiver through my entire being.
[Fake] "
The fakes body shone faintly before exploding. I covered my face but quickly removed my hands as I searched the surroundings for Kai.
[Lucile] "Kai! Kai!.. ah-!"
As the smoke cleared, one person was revealed to be standing there surrounded by a purple and golden glow, a purple magic circle on the ground beneath him along with the burnt carcass of the fake. Kai's clothes were torn to pieces but he's alive, I-.. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
"Lucile!"
My father and Seyird came rushing in through the doors, no doubt after they heard the explosion.
[Kai] "Verren? It is good to finally speak with you again."
[Seyird] "wha-Address him with the proper title-!"
[Verren] "*to Seyird*hold on!... *to Kai*who are you?"
[Lucile & Seyird] "eh?"
Kai's facial expressions didn't change in the slightest at the question my father just asked.
[Kai] "even though it has been a while, I am surprised that you've forgotten your own wife."
[Seyird] "w-what kind of sick jo-"
[Verren] "Silence!"
Father actually took an angry tone with Seyird. As far as I can recall, that's never happened before.
[Verren] "Astrid..."
[Astrid] "hello."
[Verren] "h-how?"
[Astrid] "this boy... I won't spoil everything but he has eaten from the fruit of my tree, received the blood of a royal and yet, he still lives. He has a perfect body for magic yet it contains no mana, that's how I was able to fill that void. However, something...powerful, heavenly, is pushing me out slowly. Giving me just enough time to speak with you."
[Verren] "w-"
[Astrid] "do not talk. I know it is strange to see your wife in the body of a young man but I shall return to where I was before. Oh, and when this child wishes to leave... allow it. He has a future that no one should stop. Now then, Lucile?"
[Lucile] "e-eh?!"
[Astrid] "it is good to see you."
[Lucile] "m-mother?"
She-he-she nodded Kai's head and so I wasted no time, leaping off the ground and into her arms.
[Lucile] "Mother!"
Even though the body is Kai, the warmth is the same. The same kind, loving feeling I remember from all those years ago.
[Astrid] "Lucile, it would seem that my time is up."
[Lucile] "w-what? Mother! Don't go! Please! Don't leave again!"
[Astrid] "I don't have a choice Lucile. Besides, while I may physically be gone, I will always be watching over you and... there is someone else here now that would throw his life away for you. Even if he wouldn't admit it."
[Lucile] "eh? Y-you mean... Kai?"
[Astrid] "Goodbye, Lucile."
[Lucile] "mother? Mother!"
[Kai] "h-huh? Lucile?"
[Lucile] "mother?"
[Kai] "Kai..."
[Lucile] "then... mother is truly... gone..?"
[Kai] "I... don't know what happened but... I don't think she's gone."
[Lucile] "how-how do you know that?"
[Kai] "when I was out, I met a spirit. Silver hair, golden eyes, looked a lot like a grown version of you. She said that she would always be watching over you."
[Lucile] "mother..."
I don't understand why, perhaps it's because mother was using his body mere moments ago but I found myself crying like a child in the arms of the human that sacrificed himself for me.
- Kai's pov a few moments ago.
[Entity] "well would you look at that. You died."
Ah, I'm back here again. The grassy, forest area has expanded again. If I had to give it a measurement then it would be around twenty metres all round. Wait, what's this about me dying? Ah, right, the hole in my chest.
[Kai] "yeah, I figured that jumping in front of that attack would do that."
[Entity] "so why'd you do it?"
[Kai] "what do you mean?"
The cosmic, kimono wearing figure gave me a quizzical, intrigued look as he questioned me.
[Entity] "if you just let her get hit then you could have taken him down."
[Kai] "yeah, well, I don't have an eternity to make a split second decision."
[Entity] "oh? So you're saying that in the heat of the moment you were willing to sacrifice yourself for this girl?"
[Kai] "I-...suppose the old me is starting to creep back in."
[Entity] "is that good or bad?"
[Kai] "bad. If I'm too focused on the wellbeing of other people It'll make it much harder to do what it takes to survive."
[Entity] "I suppose you're right. You are dead, after all."
[Kai] "*sigh* so what happens now?"
[Entity] "well, there's something quite interesting happening in the world of the living. Care to take a look?"
[Kai] "huh? I... i suppose."
Entity smiled as it pointed its hand behind me, motioning for me to look back there. When I did, an odd screen appeared In mid air, revealing the events that were unfolding. Watching what was happening only one thought came to mind.
[Kai] "that's... me?"
[Entity] "your body and mostly your power."
[Kai] "wait what?"
[Entity] "your body is currently being controlled by a spirit. Care to meet her?"
[Kai] "I... yes. Take me to her."
[Entity] "very well. Though I must admit that never have I met a mortal with such fortitude that they would order a god
We both let a wry smile appear on our faces as the room melted away, revealing imagery similar to the garden where everything seems to be happening. Standing perfectly still in the centre, in place of the tree, was a young, mid twenties looking woman with flowing silver hair, golden eyes and pretty much looked like an older version of Lucile.
[Kai] "it's Lucile's mother, isn't it."
[Entity] "indeed."
[Kai] "can I talk to her?"
[Entity] "go ahead."
I walked up to her so that we were about one metre away from each other before I began to speak.
[Kai] "hey there. Having fun?"
[Spirit] "indeed I am."
The woman spoke as she opened her eyes to look at me before seeing Entity behind me and almost faltering in her bravado.
[Spirit] "a-a heavenly spirit? W-what- are you here to escort the two of us to the afterlife?"
[Entity] "not at all~. I assure you I am merely an observer. Though I will make sure you return this body to its host."
[Spirit] "o-of course."
Let's tease her just a bit. Just a little name drop.
[Kai] "hey god. You're sure I can go back after this?"
Entity gave his signature wide smile, obviously clueing himself in on what it is I'm doing.
[Entity] "do you think God would lie?"
[Spirit] "g-g-god...?"
[Entity] "yes? What is it?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at the image of Lucile's mother letting out a cold sweat and stuttering in a similar way to her daughter that begets her appearance.
[Kai] "I'm sorry. While it's true that that is something similar to a god, I'm no more than a human it finds entertaining."
[Spirit] "eh?"
I waited with my hand outstretched towards her, waiting for her to return the handshake.
[Entity] "it's true. He's fun to watch."
[Spirit] "o-oh..."
[Kai] "my name's Kai. I'm assuming you're Lucile's mother?"
[Spirit] "y-yes"
She finally returned the short handshake.
[Spirit] "my name is Astrid Ambrosia Feyren. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
[Kai] "so, why have you taken over my body?"
[Astrid] "that-! I-I wished to repay you for taking care of Lucile. Also, if I hadn't taken control of your body you, Lucile and I would likely have all died."
[Kai] "fair point."
[Astrid] "tha-that's it?"
[Kai] "hm? Yeah. You saved my life right? I guess you an use my body for a little bit."
[Entity] "unfortunately it is not enough time to truly enjoy yourself. If you don't leave soon you will stay here forever, so, say what you wish to say to your family and leave."
[Astrid] "o-okay."
[Entity] "though, this is on one condition."
[Astrid & Kai] "huh?"
[Entity] "tell your husband that Kai is free to go whenever he so chooses. If he travels I'm sure things will become much more interesting."
[Astrid] "I-I will comply. Thank you."
[Kai] "...anything you want me to tell Lucile when I get back?"
[Astrid] "why are you being so kind to a vampire, human?"
[Kai] "hm? Well... I guess, whether you're a vampire or a human, you're still a mother. I don't know what I would have done without mine, so, yeah."
[Astrid] "I-.. please tell her, I'll always be watching over her."
[Kai] "will do."
[Astrid] "and...Kai?"
[Kai] "yeah?"
[Astrid] "I hope you will take care of her too."
[Kai] "...haaa~ y'know I was going to do that regardless."
[Astrid] "heh, thank you."
After that, God and I watched the rest of the scene unfold before I was thrust back into reality and, into Lucile's arms. I should probably make it seem like I don't remember anything, or at least most of that when I return to the real world.
-
[???] "Lord Dreyus. It would appear that the request you filed with the dark guild has been rejected."
[Dreyus] "What?"
[???] "also... they appear to be demanding remuneration worth the lives of the two that were lost."
[Dreyus] "why should I do that?! They took on the request!"
[???] "it would seem, the thrall that goes by the name of Kai... has been hiding some of his power."
[Dreyus] "what kind of power?"
[???] "the power of a royal."