"Oh," the girl said, shaking her head. "Don't be so simple. People adore monsters. They fill their songs and stories with them. They define themselves in relation to them. You know what a monster is, young shade? Power. Power and choice. Monsters make choices. Monsters shape the world. Monsters force us to become stronger, smarter, better. They sift the weak from the strong and provide a forge for the steeling of souls. Even as we curse monsters, we admire them. Seek to become them, in some ways." Her eyes became distant. "There are far, far worse things to be than a monster."
-Jim Butcher, "Ghost Story"
I screamed again as the Shadow lunged at me only to be hit somehow by the giant's club that guarded me. The book in my hand dropped as I turned and ran for a hiding spot, only to find a wall of books in my way. Shit! Shit! Shit!
There was a thud before hands spun me around. I screamed again only to see Ezra looking down at me. Panting, I look around him to the Shadow and start to tremble again. I was just minding my business and reading when it appeared and started towards me. At first, I thought it was some kind of joke, but then glowing red eyes appeared and I screamed. It chased me around the room until something huge stepped in front of me. I looked around to see Ezra standing at the doorway with a smirk and slightly relaxed until it lunged again.
Now, Ezra was peering down at me with his dark eyes. "Stand strong, human. Let no fear show and fight back. It's the only way to get past what it shows you."
I shook my head and clutched his forearms. "No! it almost killed me once, I'm not getting near that thing."
"That thing is not a shadow!" he hissed. "it's a shape-shifter. It took your greatest fear and used it against you to kill you. You must stop showing fear and be strong, like with Qiqirn."
I glare at him. "Qiqirn was not as terrifying as that Shadow! It did not produce red eyes that glowed or make me feel as if I was turning to ice from the inside out!"
Ezra smirked. "Stubborn, as usual, Ruqa." Sighing, he took both my hands and seriously studied my eyes, a frown adorning his face. "Do not show fear. Du muth kar."
I bit my tongue in protest but steadied myself. "Is that your language?"
Again, Ezra smirked. "If you ever are in a situation and fear tries to take hold, repeat that phrase. Du muth kar, and courage will come. But right now, face this Bardi. We'll talk more later."
I nodded and he stepped aside, crossing his arms as the creature got up from the ground. The giant growled loudly and made the room shake. The Shadow hissed in response and glanced at me, eyes narrowing.
"Lorvog, step aside. Let Wrephor be," Ezra ordered. Reluctantly, it seemed, Lorvog stepped to my other side and put his club at his side. I glanced at Ezra and he smirked. "Du muth kar."
Looking back at the Shadow, I pushed my shoulders back and my chin up defiantly. It hissed, as if in laughter as it stalked forward. I balled my fists to keep them from shaking. I heard Lorvog take a step to defend me, but Ezra growled at him. The Shadow continued to close the distance, slowly putting one foot in front of the other.
It was five feet away when it reached a hand towards me. I gritted my teeth, trying to not faint from the cold entering my body. The closer the hand got, the colder I got. The ground seemed to disappear from beneath me and I had no idea where I was anymore. Then, the first finger was a centimeter away from my face and my eyes widened.
But I felt nothing. No skin, no bones, no muscle. I felt nothing. Unlike when I was at home, there was nothing, as if it passed right through me. The figure shimmered and became somewhat transparent. My sigh of relief must have sounded because it started to scream. I flinched at the sudden sound and clapped my hands on my ears. I kept my eyes on the creature as it started shifting into different shapes and monsters until it disappeared into air.
Ezra picked up the book I had before the attack and read the title, cocking a brow at me. "Accepting the Void is what you choose to read?" I shrug and he shakes his head. "Lorvog, we'll talk later. You may go."
The giant grunted and made his way out of the room loudly, squeezing through doorways. I swallowed and took a seat on a nearby chair. Ezra frowned at the broken window the creature broke when attacking me and sighed. I decided not to continue reading any more books on the creatures here and just ask questions instead.
"I'm going to have Daeva keep you company while I go to the Gate," Ezra said finally.
"Why?"
"To see if the Shadow has come back or if I need to risk my companions' lives to hunt it down. The human world is not a place we thrive the best, not when so much food is walking around, free to take, no knowledge of the true dangers that are behind them." He pauses and turns, looking at me carefully. "But, I won't let them if it can be prevented."
"Who is Daeva?"
With a small smile, Ezra walked toward a low table and grabbed a bowl, then walked over to me and held it out. Taking it, I looked and saw... "Candy, for when she does something you want. She'll try to tempt you to give some to her with little fits or crying, but don't give in." I raised my head to see he wasn't looking at me like he was embarrassed.
"You gave in?" I gasp.
Ezra shrugs. "Don't let the little brat catch you off guard. Remember that, Nicole." Clearing his throat, he walks to the door and starts to leave but then turns back to me. "Do not leave the house. We may be in a part of my land where everyone is working together, but even so, there are some who do not like humans. I have no control if you are not inside my house or walking beside me. Unlike your world, mine is not full of rules, just instincts." And with that, he left.
I sat for a few minutes before taking the book, the bowl of candy, and my weary body to the bedroom I was offered earlier. I went up the stairs and inside where I looked around finally. Royal blue curtains hung at the windows straight ahead, keeping the room dark. The armoire was next to the bathroom I had used to my right, tall, large, and a deep mahogany color. On my left was the large four-poster bed, silky drapes tied back to reveal the luscious sheets and pillows within. On the same wall as the bedroom door, there was a desk, neatly dusted with a little cup full of pencils.
I strode to the bed, set the bowl of candy on the desk, and plopped myself down face-first. Not a worry in the world after feeling the softness of the linen and mattress. It felt like I was floating on clouds, like everything was peaceful, even though it wasn't. I knew I had worries, and I was living with a man who wasn't a man at all. I knew I had just been attacked multiple times and I was still in danger, but the bed... Oh, the bed was pure bliss!
A giggle sounded behind me, startling me a little as I jolted up and around. "I've never seen someone so in love with a bed before!" said a small girl with blonde curls. I blinked and she giggled again, blue eyes twinkling. "Ezra never said you were into pleasantries."
I finally found my voice and said, "Daeva?"
She sketched a bow. "That's me!" Another giggle. "And you are the human."
I cringed even though there was nothing wrong with being a human. "I'm Nicole. And yes, I'm human."
Daeva clapped giddily. "Ooh! Can we play hide-and-seek? Please?"
I smiled, liking this girl already. "How about we play later, Daeva? I haven't had very good sleep for a couple of days."
Daeva pouted. "But I want to play!"
Sighing with defeat and at the puppy-dog eyes she was giving me, I stood. "Okay, but only for a few minutes." Daeva cheered and told me to hide.
A few minutes turned out to be a few hours. We had been in every room in the house, in every hiding spot there was to find, and still, she wanted to play. My stomach growled and my legs and arms hurt, but I continued if only to see her smiling face. It was when I heard her go outside that I finally hesitated, remembering Ezra's words about staying inside. It was dark except for the sliver of moon that appeared in the sky above. Stars shone twinkling in and out as I contemplated whether or not to look for her or call it off. I knew Ezra's words should be taken seriously, especially with what happened today.
A clock chimed and I turned to see it was eleven-thirty. I faltered, tripping over my feet as I realized I was alone in the house and it was dark. Memories of the Shadow came back to me as well as my brother's pranks. I wrapped my arms around my body and trudged upstairs, into my room, and shutting the door. I locked it then turned around to find Daeva sitting on my bed with a weird expression on her face. Sighing, I went into the bathroom and took a shower.
When I returned to the bedroom, Daeva had disappeared. Grateful for the solitude, I curled underneath the blankets and closed my eyes.
Only to hear a knock on the door. I groaned. "Go away!"
A soft giggle. "Come on, Nicole! I have soup!" Daeva announced.
My stomach rumbled in approval, so I got up again and opened the door. Daeva handed me the tray of food then glided into the room behind me. I shut the door and went to the desk, sitting down and eating the salty soup with fruit on the side. It wasn't the best meal, but it would do.
Daeva came over and sat on the desk in front of me, beside the bowl of candy. She crossed her legs and put her hands in her lap, watching me. "Nicole, will you be my friend?"
I smiled sleepily at her. "Daeva, I am your friend. There's no need to ask that question."
She smiled. "Promise?"
I nod and nod to the candy, "Go ahead and take a few. I know you want it." Without another word, Daeva pulled out ten pieces and started to eat them, wrappers and all. I chuckled and finished my own food.
From somewhere downstairs, a door shut and footsteps could be heard. Daeva rolled her eyes and disappeared, dropping the leftover candy on the desk and floor. I sighed and cleaned up the mess before stretching and walking towards the bed. I didn't make it halfway when another knock sounded, this one heavier than Daeva's. I sighed and went to open it.
I knew who it was, but blinked up at him in surprise anyways. His hair was messy, his clothes were disheveled and he had something black staining his shirt. Something foul hit my nose and I stepped back, cringing before holding up a hand. "Do not come closer!" I demanded.
He looked down at himself and realized how he looked and smelled. Sheepishly, he glanced at me. "Sorry, I had a few things to take care of and it got messy."
I raised a brow. "No shit!"
He smirked and leaned against the threshold. "How was your day?"
I shrugged and crossed my arms. "Busy, entertaining."
"Did Daeva have you running around?" I nod and he chuckled. "Did you even try to tell her to stop?"
"Once, but I couldn't resist her childish pout," I say, blushing.
Ezra rolled his eyes and sighed. "Get some rest, Nicole. I'll keep Daeva away so you can sleep."
I nod and start back to my bed. My eyes were almost closed and my feet couldn't lift more than an inch off the ground I was so tired. I almost fell over something when arms wrapped around me. I blinked as Ezra picked me up bridal style and carried me the rest of the way. He didn't hold me close, mostly for the stain that still looked wet, and lowered me down. Once the mattress was under me, I curled up like a baby while he covered me up. I hummed and snuggled deeper into the soft pillows. "Thank you."
I heard him chuckle before a soft click and I was pulled into unconsciousness.
The next morning I woke disoriented, unsure of where I was. Then I remembered Ezra and Daeva, and how I was attacked by a Shadow at home. I sighed and went to the armoire, opening it up and slumped. I had no clothes here. Nothing whatsoever. Going to the bathroom, I found a brush and did my hair, then walked downstairs.
In the kitchen, Ezra was talking to the snake woman I saw yesterday. She seemed beautiful with her tan-golden scales and her brunette hair that hung down to where her waist would be. Her eyes were chocolate brown and looking at Ezra while he talked. Neither of them noticed me as I went to the fridge and opened it up. What I saw wasn't pleasant. "What is that stuff?" I asked in disgust at the containers filled with a dirty yellow substance.
"It's sap from different plants," Ezra answered.
"Why?"
I heard a soft laugh from the snake woman and turned. She said, "Ezra here drinks sap when he can't get blood. It's his main diet while living on this side of the Gate."
I cringed even more. "Blood? Like a vampire?"
Ezra's lips twitched and he said, "A certain type of vampire, yes. But I'm not the most vicious."
The snake laughed again. "Whatever you say, Ezra."
I glanced between them and narrowed my eyes. "Are you two... I don't know, together?"
Now they both burst into laughter and I blushed from embarrassment and anger. The snake woman slithered over to me and put her hands on my shoulders. "As close as Ezra and I are, there is no way for him to comfortably mate with me." She gestured down at herself and I widened my eyes in understanding. She nodded. "So, no. Ezra is just a friend and we are nothing more."
I nod and don't look at the vampire behind her. Turning away, I see the sap again and almost gag, then shut the fridge and grab some fruit. Ezra and the snake woman continue to talk while I eat and stare at him from beneath my lashes. He didn't look like a vampire, but then, he said he wouldn't show his true self until I was ready. I wondered what he looked like with fangs...
The two friends glanced at me before the snake said, "What's so special about her?"
I don't know if it was meant to be offensive or not, but the way the snake grimaced and wrinkled her nose, there was no other way to interpret it. I looked down at myself and furrowed my brows. My clothes didn't look at all clean from the games Daeva and I played yesterday, but I was clean and my hair was flat. I knew Hannah was better looking than I was for multiple reasons, but I couldn't help that I lived on a ranch and worked with horses.
Setting the fruit down, I casually walked out of the room and halfway up the stairs, before I ran and slammed the door shut to my room, locking it. I jumped into bed and covered up, hiding everything, even my head under the blankets and sheets. Then, I pulled a pillow down and stuffed my face into it, screaming all the hatred I had in life into it.
Above caption: Zashiki-warashi (Daeva)
Definition: Like Misrey, Daeva is a child spirit, only this type of spirit loves candy.