The memories included several more scenarios in which Cassandra tried to get close to me at night...
There was also the problem of whenever she took control, her status changed to Cassandra instead of Isabella. Due to this, Isabella had to leave the party to hide her.
Sometimes, her influence would affect the way Isabella would think and act.
As time went on, Isabella began to find it increasingly difficult to keep Cassandra contained.
Being so close to me made her desperate...and crazy. Cassandra's overwhelming desire to be close to me was enough to swallow Isabella whole.
While on the ship, she kept trying to...lose herself in my smell and presence...
It seemed like she was obsessed with immersing herself in as much of me as possible.
And...touching herself while smelling me in my sleep...
Yet again, I felt violated.
I also saw her speaking with Isabella on the ship. She was being reprimanded for constantly trying to touch me on top of her lewd actions.
And Cassandra was angry at Isabella for distancing herself from me. Despite the fact that it was her fault to begin with.
But this was because she could tell that I was suffering. She wouldn't allow me to suffer.
Then came the instances where she committed murder for my sake and the short bits where she would speak to me.
She wanted to cheer me up and didn't care about how awkward it was for Isabella.
The last memory was of around two hours ago.
Isabella wasn't paying attention and Cassandra's desire got the best of her. Cassandra knew that I suffered from nightmares from my horrific past and relied on Isabella's presence for a good night's sleep.
To rectify this, she snuck into my bed and held me tightly. It was unacceptable that I would be made to suffer in any way, shape, or form. To Cassandra, this was an unavoidable obligation and her specific duty.
However, since Cassandra literally couldn't control herself, she whispered several things into my ear and unintentionally woke me up...
And that was how we were now.
"Is that all?" I asked.
Cassandra nodded quickly. As the illusion finally dispersed.
"Look...despite seeing all of that, I have some lingering doubts. Trauma and all that. Can I really trust you, Cassandra? I want to be absolutely sure."
"Yes! You can trust me! I want to help! Umm...m-more than anything, I only want to be useful to my precious darling Mizik!"
"Fine, but can you really go against Difar?"
"Yes. My soul is free from him. As far as he knows, I'm dead. He won't be expecting me."
"What about your dagger? How could it remain as it is without being cleansed? And I have questions about how helpful you'll be to us in battle... Or if it's even possible for you to fight like...this," I said bluntly.
"Deception was reforged by Corruption. That just means it was modified and that Difar chooses the wielder instead of the dagger itself. He can't control the legendary swords' inner power. They're beyond him. Also, when Isabella and I switch, we fight using our own abilities like we did when separate. But, I can't use Bravery, and Isabella can't use Deception."
"Are you truly willing to fight against Difar himself?"
"I will eliminate anyone that threatens you. You have my word. Even Difar... Especially Difar! That psychopath destroyed our home. He destroyed my body...and worst of all, he hurt my precious Mizik. I will stop at nothing to kill him for what he's done!"
I had another question as well...
"Tell me something then... What about Valtheim? What is she? Can she be killed?" I asked.
Cassandra looked uneasy at the question.
"Valtheim is...scary... She's his loyal pet and bodyguard. As for dealing with her, I don't know. I truly have no idea if it's even possible to hurt her, let alone end her life. I'm sorry...I feel so useless..." Cassandra said.
"You're not useless. Besides, it gives me something to think about... Can you at least tell me what she is?" I said.
"Ah...I'm so sorry... I don't know any more than you do... All I know is that she's the Avatar of the Void and that everyone is terrified of her... Please forgive me, darling..."
"You haven't done anything wrong. There's no need to apologize. It just means Difar is more tight-lipped than I thought...that bastard..."
"Mizik is so kind to me... It's like a dream! Also, umm...I have a question for you... If you don't mind, Mizik...d-darling..."
"Shoot."
"Well...I did some pretty horrible things to you... I even killed Ignitian soldiers and also that man, Dante. I killed him partially because I was ordered to, but mostly because I didn't want Valtheim to get him. When she eats someone, not even their soul escapes. So at least he can pass on now. Still, I'm sorry. But can you please...p-punish me? I need you to discipline me for my actions..."
"That's a weird thing to ask. What are you expecting me to do?"
"I-I...I don't know... I'll accept anything Mizik comes up with... Please! Just...do something! I deserve something horrible for my actions... What I did was unforgivable..."
"Cassandra. Let me give you some advice: don't ask me to punish you while you're inhabiting Isabella's body. Anything I do to you affects her. Understand?" I said.
"I see...yes... That makes sense. But I really can't live with myself... Especially since I hurt you so much..." Cassandra said.
Hmm...I would like to have some kind of revenge... If for nothing else than to set my mind at ease. Even so...
"Haven't you suffered enough already?" I asked.
I was truly considering doing at least something to her, but I also wondered if it was even necessary. This girl had already been through hell. Her entire life had been a maelstrom of despair.
Honestly...I could relate. It seemed like we had a lot in common. For that, I began to feel a certain fondness for her. It seemed as though we shared in a certain level of suffering. Who was I to add to hers? Wouldn't that just make me a hypocrite?
"You're too nice... Too kind... I have suffered greatly, but none of it was retribution from you... My actions were-"
"Just stop. Your punishment is forgiveness."
Yeah... If I forgive you, you won't be satisfied, will you? I won't hurt Isabella and it'll set me at ease knowing that you're still haunted by what you did.
"Wh-what!? How could you possibly-"
"I have no room left in my heart for more hatred. The only one I can hate that much is Difar. Anyone else is relatively minor by comparison...I think... Even you."
"Ah...but that's... That's not fair! Punish me! I did horrible things to you!"
"I don't care. You want some sort of punishment to make you feel better about what you did to me. You will have no such kindness. At the same time, I am not a cruel master. I'll treat you well and even treasure you as an ally. Perhaps even a dear friend. Serve me well and you'll be rewarded. Exactly how, I don't know yet..."
I spoke in a direct and blunt tone.
Cassandra looked down and started to cry.
When she looked up tears were streaming down her face.
Good. Cry for me. You deserve something harsh for what you did. And now, you'll work for me like a slave.
"Vengeance has also decided to stop targeting you. In other words, you are completely forgiven. Fight well and work hard, because from this day onward, you are a slave without any free will of your own. You will exist to serve and please me."
Then Cassandra lunged forward and wrapped her arms tightly around me. She cried on my chest and I just sighed.
"You're so cruel! But...Mizik is so merciful!!! I love you so much! Thank you! You won't regret it, I swear! I will be Mizik's loyal slave! I will serve and protect you! I get to be near my darling Mizik always!"
"Yeah, right. Make sure that I don't regret it... I won't be happy if you betray me. I'll never trust you again if you do and I wont stop until your soul is torn from Isabella's body and cast into the pits of hell. Got that?"
"I won't betray you! Even if Difar threatened me with the pit again, I wouldn't! I love you too much!" Cassandra said as her tears continued to fall.
At that moment, she forcefully let go and her eyes changed.
"I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! STOP THROWING YOURSELF AT MIZIK!!!" Isabella shouted.
Then her eyes switched again.
"B-but...he's so amazing! I can't help it! Also, I belong to him now! I'm his slave! Ehehe...Mizik has ownership of me... I'm his possession... Mizik's possession... Kyaaa! I'm so happy!!!" Cassandra said.
Her eyes switched back.
"You were going to try and seduce him! He's MY husband! Not yours!" Isabella said.
Her eyes switched.
"But it's still your body! Does it matter who's in control!? Mizik still enjoys it! Right, darling!? As his loyal slave, it is my duty to attend to all his needs!" Cassandra said.
Her eyes switched.
"Yes, it's important! It might be my body, but if I'm going to do...those things...with my husband, I want to be present for it!" Isabella said.
I felt my eye twitch.
And her's changed again.
"You always get to be the one in control, though! It's my turn! Besides, I can see your memories and I know just how to please him based on that!" Cassandra said slyly.
I could feel frustration and panic beginning to rise as a realization started to dawn on me.
Her eyes switched.
"Y-you! Those are private! That's between me and Mizik! That's not right! Stop looking at my husband!" Isabella said.
Her eyes switched.
"No! I'll never stop looking! He's too amazing!! I love him! He's perfect!!! Mizik is the ideal man! Nothing can compare and I'm obsessed with him!!!" Cassandra said. She was starting to drool as she blushed and glanced at me.
"This is my body! I order you not to touch Mizik while you're in control!!! That is my job, not yours!" Isabella said angrily.
"You've obviously been neglecting him, sister! Look! Darling is stressed because of his curse and you've done nothing to alleviate it! So naturally, as his loyal slave and possession, I will gladly help him!" Cassandra said.
This is my life now. I was cursed by Difar, and now my wife has two souls. One is the sweet and kind-hearted woman I married and the other is a completely deranged stalker who's obsessed with me. They're going to drive me crazy!!!
"STOP IT! STOP ARGUING! CAN'T YOU SEE HOW WEIRD IT IS!?" I shouted angrily.
"But...isn't it nice that two pretty girls are fighting over you?" Cassandra said sweetly.
"It's not two girls! It's one with two souls! Get a grip, dammit!"
"Ah...I upset Master Mizik... I'm so sorry! Please punish me!" Cassandra said desperately.
Her eyes switched.
"Doing dirty things to you isn't punishment if you're going to enjoy it, Cassandra!!! Stop fantasizing about my husband!!!" Isabella said angrily.
Make it stop...
Her eyes switched.
"B-but...that's private! Or...if Mizik wants to know about it, I'll tell him everything!" Cassandra said while staring at me.
I am going to kill myself if they keep this up.
"Stop getting so aroused in my body!!! That affects me too, Cassandra!!!" Isabella said.
"But Mizik is staring at us! Isn't that the proper reaction!?" Cassandra said while fidgeting.
By the gods...
As they continued to argue, I began to wonder how deep their union actually went.
I had a theory...
I contacted them with telepathy.
"Hello?"
"Yes, Mizik?" They both responded in unison.
"Theory proven. You can both hear me when I contact you," I said aloud.
Cassandra's eyes changed again back to Isabella's icy blue color.
"Mizik...umm... I'm a little worried so I'll just come out and say it. You're not considering doing those things with Cassandra, are you?"
I raised an eyebrow at her and frowned.
"Just what do you take me for? I'm not going to cheat on you for her. Besides, there wouldn't be a difference in appearance anyway. Other than the eyes, of course."
"I just wanted to be sure... It's not that I don't trust you, it's just-"
Her eyes changed dark purple again.
"Mizik darling! Please reconsider! There would be no greater joy than if you and I-"
Her eyes switched.
"Cassandra! He's not available! I saw him first, anyway!"
"PLEASE JUST STOP FIGHTING! I CAN'T TAKE THIS! IT'S ALREADY DRIVING ME INSANE!" I shouted angrily.
"Thank you, Mizik! If Cassandra is going to inhabit my body, she has to follow certain rules!" Isabella said with a smug smile.
I said stop fighting. You're just as guilty of that!
Her eyes switched.
Then Cassandra started crying and hugging me again.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Please don't be mad at me! Uwaaaaaah!!!"
I looked away from her uncomfortably.
"Just...stop arguing with your sister. I'm not your dad or anything. Isabella, you should stop arguing as well," I said.
Her eyes turned icy blue again.
"Wha!? Me!?"
Then someone started pounding on the door loudly.
"HEY, SHUT UP IN THERE!!! IF YOU'RE GONNA HAVE A DAMN THREESOME JUST DO IT, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!!!" A man screamed angrily.
Isabella's eyes turned dark purple and Cassandra looked at the door with a menacing stare.
"Shall I end his life for insulting you, darling?" Cassandra said in a low tone.
"Sure. I don't care. Just make it quick and do it after he's gone so that we don't get blamed," I said quietly.
"Yes!"
After that, Cassandra disappeared.
A few minutes later, I heard a commotion in the next room and then she returned.
I didn't even see the door open. She cast a wide illusion to make it appear closed.
"I made it look like someone else killed him," She said quietly.
"Murder! Murder! That guy murdered my friend!" A man shouted down the hall.
This could be useful. Cassandra would technically be the perfect assassin... From what I've seen of General Kyriel, she's even more lethal than both Tyranus and Arvild combined.
"Hm...good job. From here on out, your job is also to kill anyone who gets in my way. Just make sure to ask before killing anyone important. Also, I want to see your status menu," I said.
I sent her a party invite and she accepted immediately.
"Haah...I accepted Mizik's party invite! It's like being invited into his bed!" She said.
"Stop making it weird," I said.
Then I requested to view her status.
"Mizik wants to see everything! Please look as much as you like! Take it all in~! Ehehe..."
"I said...ugh... Please stop making it weird!"
"Of course, darling!" Cassandra said with a smile.
When she agreed, I looked at her status.
{Name: Cassandra Iratus}
{Class: Arcane Assassin(Corrupted)}
{Level: ERROR}
{Hp: 95880(+???)}
{Mp: 290470(+???)}
{P.attack: 155651(+???)}
{M.attack: 259473(+???)}
{P.defense: 45099(+???)}
{M.defense: 101235(+???)}
{Acc: 69767(+???)}
{Eva: 305902(+???)}
{Spd: 270554(+???)}
{Passive Abilities: Grand Dagger Mastery LV.COR
Grand Magic Mastery LV.COR
Grand Light Armor Mastery LV.COR
Nightvision Passive LV.COR
Enemy Detection Passive LV.COR
Grand Illusion Mastery LV.COR
D.Corrupted Advanced Spellcasting LV.COR}
{Active Abilities:
Lotus Blade LV.COR
D.Corrupted Dagger Pulse LV.COR
Assassinate LV.COR
Illusion Blade LV.COR}
{Magic Abilities:
Arcane Ballista LV.COR
Grand Minor Illusion LV.COR
Grand Major Illusion LV.COR
Grand Master Illusion LV.COR
Black Chaos Lightning Barrage LV.COR
Black Chaos Ice Barrage LV.COR
Grand Dagger Enchant LV.COR
Grand Healing LV.COR
Grand Mirage LV.COR
D.Corrupted Magus Stream LV.COR
D.Corrupted Mind Break LV.COR
D.Intelligence Form Two: Multiply LV.COR
D.Inteligence Form Three: Magnify LV.COR}
Holy shit.
I was genuinely shocked by her stats.
They were higher than mine and I couldn't even tell what level she was.
Even if the Corruption was purged from her, I could still see its effects...
Also...
"Why is your last name Iratus!?" I asked.
"B-because...I belong to Mizik!" Cassandra said while fidgeting.
"You...ugh...fine! Whatever. Do whatever makes you happy, I guess... Regardless, your stats are incredible. Not even mine are that high," I said.
"What are Mizik's stats like?" She asked.
I sent them to her...hesitantly...and she began reading them.
"Ahh...Mizik is so cool and powerful! And...eh!? We share some of the same...skills...? That means..."
Cassandra started breathing heavily.
Why...? What did I do to deserve this? Is this because I blew up Port Davis and killed so many people...?
"It's like...part of Mizik is...inside-"
Her eyes switched.
"CASSANDRA! THAT'S DIRTY! DON'T MAKE THIS LEWD!!!" Isabella shouted angrily.
"Keep it down...the walls have ears... Also, stop fighting."
"Sorry, Mizik! But seriously-"
"Nooooo! I want to memorize the numbers! Let me memorize his status! And sister! You've both done and said many dirty things with him!" Cassandra said quietly as she took control.
"Cassandra! Those memories are private! I already told you to stop looking through them!" Isabella shot back.
I felt like I probably should have been angry. Also a tad embarrassed... But she had already seen everything, apparently...
I felt my face heating up, but at the same time, I was getting much angrier at their constant bickering...
"What part of stop fighting do you not understand!?" I said angrily.
"I'm so sorry, my darling Mizik! If you need to punish someone, I'll gladly-"
"Stop it, Cassandra!"
"Right! Well, I'm going to sleep. If you absolutely have to keep arguing, please continue to do it quietly. Goodnight," I said.
Suddenly, Cassandra switched over and scooted close to me.
"Since Isabella has refused to share a bed with you for nearly two weeks, please let me keep you warm and safe, darling! I'll wrap you in my arms and keep you nice and comfortable on my chest!" Cassandra said.
"I only did that because of you! Don't pin this on me! Also, it's MY chest!" Isabella said angrily.
"But...you lied to him! That's an unpardonable sin. You mustn't ever lie to Mizik. So as punishment, no Mizik for you!" Cassandra said.
"Th-that's not fair! I really wanted to sleep with him! And you can't just take away my Mizik privileges!" Isabella said.
Mizik privileges...?
She was starting to tear up as she looked at me.
I sighed, then sat up and looked at her.
"Look, I can't give positive reactions right now. They cause me too much pain. So, Isabella will sleep with me as she always does. But if she lies to me again, Cassandra gets to sleep with me. Okay?" I said.
"Mizik...isn't that unreasonable!?" Isabella said.
"No, Isabella. It isn't. Because I'm actually pretty pissed about being lied to so much lately. Don't you think you could have trusted me?" I said angrily.
"I...I was afraid...is all..." Isabella said.
"Of what? What was I going to do? I might be cursed, but I'm not a violent psychopath. I still...love you...Isabella," I said.
I gritted my teeth as pain began stabbing my head.
I loved her, but this curse was affecting that...
And that made me even angrier than before.
Every time I felt that pain, I could only imagine Difar's mocking and sadistic smile.
"I'm sorry... I don't know why I didn't trust you..." Isabella said.
"You're supposed to be the one person I can always trust. If you lie to me, how am I supposed to feel?" I said.
"I feel terrible about it..." Isabella said as she started silently weeping.
I wondered if her tears were because of my anger or because of the guilt she felt. But at the same time, it was difficult to care. I wanted to care. I was her husband and I still loved her greatly.
"Isabella, please just stop crying..."
"I can't! I feel awful about lying to you! You've been acting so different since you got that curse... Like you're a different person! I...I want you to go back to normal!" She said with tears streaming down as she shook me.
"Get rid of this curse and everything should be fine. That's the reason I'm acting like this. I'm sorry," I said as I gently put my hands on her shoulders.
"Then it really is Difar's fault... I'll kill him... That bastard hurt my Mizik... I promise that I won't lie to you ever again. No matter what, we're going to take that monster down together!" Isabella said.
She looked up at me and placed a hand gently on my cheek. Then she smiled.
Such a thing usually would have made my heart melt...
"Thank you, Isabella. I'll need all the help I can get. By the way, Cassandra," I said.
"Yes?" Cassandra said as her eyes switched again. She didn't move her hand and moved even closer to my face.
I...instinctively pulled away.
"What's your take on this curse?" I asked.
"Hmm...Difar likely cursed you because that ability you have is a threat. It steals your light and seems to exist with the intention of driving you insane. I think he is worried about this...reset thingy..." She said.
"Well...I need your help with something, in that case..."
"Yes! Absolutely! I'll do anything as long as it's for Mizik!" Cassandra said with a smile.
"I need you to make sure nothing kills me before I can get my hands around Difar's throat. I will not allow myself to lose everything again."
Cassandra bowed her head.
"I'll kill anyone to protect Mizik!" She said.
"Good. I'm going to sleep now. Please let Isabella take over."
Cassandra looked a bit disappointed but switched anyway. Then her eyes changed.
I laid down, then felt Isabella gently put her arms around me and pulled herself close.
"This is much better. I missed sleeping like this..."
Within minutes, we had drifted off to sleep...