[Asher's Perspective]
Fierce, Paige, and I suited up in our own attire for our trip to the nearby town. Fierce sported a black shirt with the Blood Corp. Runner Program emblem, paired with black pants. Paige opted for a hoodie and jean shorts, her cybernetic body gleaming in the light, radiating a striking beauty.
As for me, I went for a casual look with a black tank top and cargo shorts. Keeping it cool, you know.
"You look really good in black, Asher," Paige complimented, her gaze lingering in an intriguing way. She blushed, averting her eyes. Her flowing, white hair covered half her face.
"Oh, thanks, Paige," I replied casually, grinning and rubbing my neck. "I'm glad you think so."
"Yeah, get a room, lovebirds," Celeste's voice piped up from my shirt, poking her face out with a pouting expression.
"Shall we go?" Fierce suggested.
"We shall," Paige said, starting her stride. "I think I see the lights of the town Vazeel mentioned."
Upon entering, we discovered the town was named Unity, as indicated by a sign. It housed various species like Luminal Elves, Mechanoid Dwarves, Crystal Gazers, Mothkyns, Orchidites, and others. We ventured into a bar named "Coolio's Bar," each ordering margaritas.
While Paige and Fierce engaged in lively conversation, my mind remained fixated on Achiron. The burning desire to become stronger consumed me, a drive I couldn't fully comprehend. It was as if I had something to prove, though uncertain of what that might be. My life, discarded like garbage by Vampire Society, stung with the realization that Queen Hundred had lied about making me a Noble.
"Fuck Queen Hundred," I muttered unintentionally.
"Well, I like the sound of that, sir," a voice responded from behind the bar. The bartender, a Crystal Gazer, dressed in a finely tailored suit with a crystal ball for a head, addressed me. "Around here, we're definitely anti-Vampire Society. The only good thing they ever did was Best Blood. I'm not anti-Vampire, do keep in mind."
Paige glanced over, eavesdropping. "So hey, bartender, how do you see when your head is a crystal ball? How do you talk!?"
The bartender chuckled, pouring shots of liquor for each of us. "Is this not what we are? Supernatural, darling. I'd say it's even crazier that a rabid beast just started walking on two legs and drinking margaritas."
Fierce chuckled. "I like this guy."
Crystal Gazer, introducing himself as Remington, pushed the shots toward us. "On the house for you veterans. I've heard of the Blood Corp programs. Amazed at what you guys do."
"Awh, hell yeah!" Fierce exclaimed.
Paige smiled. "Free liquor."
As we clinked glasses and took our shots, Paige asked Remington about the town's anti-Vampire Society sentiment. Remington, leaning against the counter, shared that the town's residents were survivors of Queen Hundred's destruction of Elephasia.
The revelation hung in the air.
"Ah… I see." I nodded. I couldn't help but ponder the nature of the society I served, and I questioned my allegiance. The stinging truth that Queen Hundred had indeed forgotten our deal came back to mind, and I scoffed.
"Tch. Vampire Society. What a joke," I declared, slamming my glass down. "It's just a stupid clique."
[Later that night…]
Returning to our barracks after a night out, I struggled to sleep. Restless thoughts plagued me, and in the dark of night, a knock echoed on my door. It was Paige, wearing only an oversized shirt.
Closing the door quietly, Paige approached me, her steps barely audible.
"Paige? Is everything oka—"
She leaned in, kissing me. In the dorm's darkness, our lips met, and the warmth of her tongue mingled with mine. Her cold, metallic hand touched my cheek as she looked into my eyes, her cybernetic gaze radiating a passionate light.
"Can I spend the night with you, Asher?"
"Yeah…"