Ether shot up from his bed, gasping heavily and feeling his sweaty clothes. He felt the right of the bed, searching for Pearl. But she wasn't there.
The tormenting voice resonated in his mind, telling him it wasn't time. Not yet, at least. Whatever this entity was, it wanted to tease Ether. Until the day it finally showed him the truth.
Bedsheets brushed against each other as he sat on the side of the bed, palms on his knees. He studied the sweat on his lap and shirt. Seeing the navy made him realize something: the last time he was sweating was before his Third Rule.
"What just happened..?" Ether reached for the back of his head. His open palm searched through his silky-smooth hair, aiming to discover any injuries. "Another one of those damn nightmares. Must be."
He looked up at the window, realizing it was mid-morning. Work was going to start soon, motivating him to stand up and head out the door.
Only to get stopped by Lya. She stood by the foot of the bed, hugging an echo of Shora in her arms. In response, the identical twin smiled cheerfully. Adoring the affection he was getting.
"Ah, shavi esta (bright morning), Lya," Ether greeted his mom.
"Bright morning, my sweet Shora -" she smiled. "I was aware of your nightmare this time."
Ether's face quickly shifted into a serious tone. "You.. did? Who sent it to me and why?"
Shora let out a cheerful yelp, stepping out of Lya's grasp before making his way over to Ether. Both Variants locked eyes, one had malice, the other curiosity. Shora gulped, then smiled wider.
"I loooove youuuu!" Shora opened his arms. "Can I give you a huuuuug?"
Before Ether could push Shora aside, Lya stopped him. She manifested him out of Ether's Third Rule in hopes of making them get along.
Lya gently pulled Shora back into her arms. "Calm down, Shora. One day Ether will give you the mega-hug you deserve." She turned to look at Ether. "The sender is... a Servant."
"What?" Ether took a step forward, hoping to see through the lie. "Wh - which one?"
"Remember," Lya tilted her head towards the window. "Servants are uncertain molds."
"I don't know what that means, ma. Explain it a bit," Ether asked.
Lya let go of Shora, guiding him to stand aside. She pointed an open palm at the sunlight that crept through the window. Ether looked down, realizing he was casting a shadow.
"A Servant is what a Walker isn't. To a Servant, they have no physical bodies of their own. In fact, that qualifies as a Servant shouldn't come with a body. The Wielder must decide that."
Ether carefully examined his shadow, hoping to see what the sunlight had to do with the lesson. His eyes studied the purple bedcover, the wooden flooring, even his feet.
"Think of it this way: a Servant with no physical shape is in the sunlight. While a Walker is in the shadow. We can go anywhere, anytime. And don't pledge loyalties to any Wielder," Lya explained.
"However, a Servant can ONLY follow their Wielder. When you cast a shadow, it mimics you perfectly. Just as a Servant does. They'll obey you, no questions asked," she continued.
Shora looked down, catching a glimpse of his gown and tiny feet. He searched for that missing link between a Servant and a Walker, and why it mattered.
"But when you enter the shade, the Servant ceases to have its own body. Because it doesn't have a Wielder to order them around. Leaving them idle among Walkers," Lya finished.
Ether nodded, understanding the general idea. "Okay, I think I get it. Since its Wielder chose not to give them a visage, the Servant cannot be traced. They are exactly like a Walker, except with no freedom."
Lya smiled, showing he was right. Yet part of her felt bad. She wanted to figure out who kept sending all these nightmares over to her son.
Her hand reached out for Shora, bringing him close for a gentle peck. "Now, hurry. Your day at work is almost starting, and Pearl has taken the kids to school."
"Yeah? I hate my job," Ether sighed as he slipped past Shora. "Rarely anybody comes in requesting any metal works."
Shora let out another happy yelp right as Ether twisted the doorknob. He wanted to help, maybe bring in some eyes from different parts of the city.
Which gave Lya an idea. She quickly caught up with Ether, Shora still in hand. Then she pushed Shora into Ether's arms.
"This Yonie will aid. Just give him some nice clothes and instructions. I'm sure Variants might want to see who this cute little guy is," Lya suggested.
Ether frowned, looking down at Shora. Both of their eyes met, with both pairs looking at each other with the same energy. Shora hoped this moment would mark a new beginning for them.
He reached over Ether's shoulders, hoping to secure a hug. Then he brought his Zegus counterpart in for a warm embrace. One that felt like actual love and forgiveness.
Lya smiled, impressed by how long the two stayed together. Only to see Ether consume Shora into his body as extra heat once again.
"Mmm. Give Shora a try, at least," Lya pressed again.
"No, I won't. He isn't useful for anything, and each time we become one - visiting Threshers get so confused they end up staring at me for hours before concluding that I'm a bird."
"Well, that's just the Yonies. All other Threshers instantly take you as a female," Lya explained. "Also, your eyes look rather fierce when they're a blend of orange and green."
Ether shrugged, unsure of what to think of it. "Th - thanks - right. I'm going to shower now. Also, can you call a meeting with the Nine? I want to know why they keep sending me these dreams."
"I'm unsure of if they'll answer me. But I'll see what I can do. Have a good day, my dear Sho-"
"Ether!" he interrupted.
"... My dear Ether," Lya corrected herself.