( Halfsie, that ugly cloud resembles you.)
Eve pointed towards the solitary small dark fluff over a certain part of the sky. Its color is too conspicuous against the sea of white clouds and blue sky making it look out of place.
( Look, that one is like a banana. How cute. )
Her melodious chuckle was swept by the wind.
Halfsie: …
If they are not on top of an ambulance on the way to the hospital right now, Halfsie would think all the chaos earlier was a figment of its imagination.
Eve used her arms as pillows as she enjoys the view of the vast azure sky. She was contemplating why she has never done such a thing before. Bathing in sunlight and feeling the cool breeze against her skin would have been lovely. She decided to enjoy such sessions when her body recovers.
Observing that the host seems back to normal, the furball decided to satiate its curiosity.
( Host?) It's childish voice rang softly.
( What?) An indifferent one answered.
( May I ask something?) Halfsie swallowed its growing nervousness.
( Ask away.)
Eve closed her eyes as if trying to feel the warmth of the sun she clearly couldn't perceive.
( Will you… be like that again?)
The sound became faint like a buzz of a mosquito.
Halfsie was truly horrified when it could not communicate with the host earlier. The sense of crisis it felt was different from the usual life-threatening ones it had experienced before. It was pure fear not for imminent death but fear over an impending end. The furball recalled her previous inquiry if she could destroy the mission worlds. Seeing her in that state, Halfsie does not doubt she will truly shuffle worlds just to destroy everything. If ever that happens, who will stop her?
There are at least three thousand planes that exist, and in every mission world she goes to, she will be stronger, more knowledgeable, and more powerful. If one day she reaches her full potential and goes berserk, who can stand against her? Just that thought scared Halfsie. It decided to persevere in pleasing the host to the best of its ability. If she wanted it to bark, no doubt it will. It will even embrace all her punishments with open arms, provided its tiny life is guaranteed. That, and the chance to frolic must never be taken away.
After a few seconds, the host finally replied.
( No.)
Eve firmly answered. However, there was a fluctuation in her heart and continued in her mind.
[ I hope.]
What happened a while ago was beyond her. She was clueless about what took over her. Although she has to admit, she felt invincible at that moment. As if she became the embodiment of devil-may-care that only craves for wrath and ruin. It wasn't loathsome really. It's just that, the lack of control in that state bothers her. That part pisses her off. If she's going to tear down things, she should at least consciously do it no? How else could she truly enjoy it? It's like being in the front row seat as you watch someone beat the shit out of your nemesis. It's enjoyable yet not fulfilling, especially if you're itching to smash that person into pieces.
Anyway, mulling over won't resolve the damn thing. She decided to just go with the flow for now. Eve also determined not to pull a being-hit-by-a-car stunt in the future, lest she goes ballistic again.
The black cotton is instantly relieved when she assured its tiny heart. Maybe the host was only agitated since it's the first time they've taken a mission. Noticing that the host doesn't want to dwell on that topic anymore, the furball decided to talk about other things.
( Host, your acting skills are actually good.)
Halfsie remembered her astonished face back then. If it didn't know its boss intended to greet the car head-on, no doubt it will believe her shocked expression.
( Were you an actress in your previous plane?)
Its innocent question made Eve open her eyes. She answered after laughing.
( No, I was not.)
( But I did learn from the best.)
Her eyes narrowed while a grin formed on her lips.
(Thankfully that person taught you well.)
Halfsie sincerely praised. The host being able to act splendidly is a great help to achieve their goal.
( Indeed. I must "thank" her properly in the future.)
She smiled beautifully and closed her eyes once again.
When they arrived at the hospital, the drama continued.
Sarien is restless as he waited outside the operating room for almost an hour. His wounds have been tended to in the ambulance but refused further imaging procedures. He wants to know firsthand whatever news that comes out.
Suddenly there was a commotion.
" My daughter! How is my daughter?!"
A powerful voice filled the corridor followed immediately by the sound of heavy footsteps. Seconds later, a middle-aged man still in his formal suit emerged. The distress on his face can't be more obvious.
Sylvius Tang is almost hysterical when he received the news of his daughter meeting an accident. He immediately flew back from City A to check on her. He was going nuts as he watched the news and was so desperate that he wished to grow a pair of wings to see his daughter in that instant
Sarien immediately stood up wanting to intercept the man nearing his location. He was about to open his mouth when another voice called for him. He stopped and watched his mother almost run to him, discarding all the regalness she has on normal days.
" Oh, Sarien! My child!"
A woman in her late thirties instantly hugged him.
" You're fine. You're fine. Thank goodness."
Tears welled in her eyes as she confirms her son is truly alive.
The man by her side did not talk but his expression is full of relief. He patted Sarien's head lovingly and whispered some comforting words. When the overwhelming emotions had subsided, the couple noticed the figure standing nearby and gave a small nod. Within their circle, everyone knows everyone.
" President Tang." Both of them spoke.
" President Lu, Madam Lu." Sylvius simply returned the courtesy.
They didn't expect to meet in such a situation.
" Mother, let go of me. I need to say something."
Sarien slowly parted from his mother's embrace and went in front of the father Tang.
*Plop
Out of nowhere, he kneeled. His parents immediately wanted to lift him but he waved at them to stop. Sylvius only looked at him in confusion.
" What are you doing, young man?" He inquired.
" Sir, it was my fault."
" If she didn't save me, she wouldn't be like this now."
Sarien bowed his head as he confessed. He still can't get over the ordeal earlier. Some of her blood still remains on his fingers and it constantly reminded him of his dying savior.
Staring at the guilty teenager, Sylvius can't even muster a shred of hate or blame for him.
" It's not your fault. My daughter decided to save you, that is your blessing. Do not blame yourself. Let's just hope she recovers. "
He pulled him up and consoled him. Sarien lifted his face, still maintaining a downcasted look.
( Host, your father is a kind man.) The furball commented.
Eve scrutinized the handsome middle-aged man and understood where the perfect half of Evangeline's allure came from. Hearing him comfort her target, she mused.
[ That's not quite right, Dad.]
[ I did that so he'll wallow in self-blame and embrace his fate as my loyal guardian you know.]
She continued to watch the spectacle while lying sideways on an empty bench. She's thinking that she must hoard popcorns and drinks. After all, she'll have to watch a ton of theatrical screenplay from now on. Then remembering something, she asked the furball.
( Halfsie, what is the extent of my injury ?)
Her question pulled the furball's concentration from the show into the operating room.
( Host, you broke six of your ribs on your left chest and fractured your left femur. Your right shoulder was also dislocated.)
( But don't worry host, you will live for sure.)
Halfsie immediately added. The view inside was quite gruesome hence it shifted back its sight.
Eve responded with a soft hum, totally uncaring of how grave her injuries are.
Now, the scene in the corridor is about the elders convincing the young man to undergo further examination. However, the hero is adamant about staying.
[ How foolish, as if he can do something while waiting here.]
Eve scolded the leading man in her mind. She scanned his bandaged arms and the gauze on his cheek, condemning his neglect of his own injuries. What if there are hidden dangers in his body? Will it not hinder his full guardian potential then? It will waste her efforts if that happens.
( Host, I forgot to tell you. There is a graze on the vessel's cheek and a cut on your forehead that needed 6 stitches.)
(What!)
Eve sat up instantaneously upon hearing the news.
She could not focus on the host body back then thus did not know her exact injuries. Now hearing the threat to her image, she was anxious. Her soul rapidly floated into the operating room. She examined her face inch by inch, noting any wound that may eventually form a scar.
When she concluded that her only facial trauma included a light graze on her cheek and the stitched wound over her hairline, she sighed in relief. There's no freaking way she'll live in a plane with a disfigured countenance. Always a beauty and never ugly is her creed since attaining her godly face. Never mind the beauty on the inside bullcrap, she's willing to be rotten to the core as long as she is stunning. Hell, she is even willing to sacrifice wealth and status as long as her appearance won't be moved.
( Good Lord, that scared me.)
She patted her chest and continued.
(Thank goodness. Though battered, I am still so beautiful.)
Those words escaped from her mouth.
Halfsie: …
How come her daredevil host that feared nothing even death became reverent when it came to her appearance?
And those words, Halfsie glanced at her "battered" face. It was only a scratch, and a perfectly hidden wound, it thought.
Halfsie peered over its host's soul with its judgmental eyes and thought.
Is this the legendary narcissus complex?