"Hold up, you want to... go on a date... with me?" Boss was baffled at every word she asked.
"I call bullshit," Mnemon decided to say. The crow appeared on his head, looked down, and glared at Noira.
"About time you showed up," Noira waved at the crow.
"I know that common norms don't apply to you because of that fucked-up mind inside that little skull of yours. But really? Really? You're asking the man, You see nothing but a chewing toy if not less, to be your fuck buddy?" Mnemon stressed.
"Correction, 'boyfriend'." Noira quoted. "And second, chewing toy? Oh, please, I prefer 'dressed up doll.' It sounds way better.
"Still not the fucking point here!" The crow exclaims.
"Both of you." Boss finally spoke up. "Mnemon, arguing won't do us both a favor." He then pointed at Noira. "And as for you, don't egg him on."
"Aye, aye, love." Noira saluted him.
"Why?"
The two stared at each other in silence.
"I was lonely." Noira took the glass and twisted it, deciding to break the silence. "The feeling when you're at the top of it all. I think you've experienced it, too, right?"
The Boss could only nod because he understood this feeling.
Power and knowledge.
Those were his forte back in the day of Dark Multiverses, and so did the present. He fully understood the feeling that Noira expressed. It was like climbing to the top of a mountain. But when you look down, you see other people still struggling at the foot of the hill. And as for Noira, she doesn't need to climb. She defaults to being on top, even if she decides to do nothing.
When you looked at the mountains around you, you saw only yourself. And when you looked down, you were greeted with all kinds of eyes looking at you. Some admired your achievement. Most looked up and wanted to give up. The rest just feel jealous and pray that you fall down or die alone up there.
"I did consider changing myself to fit in with them. But why alter who I am for those who can't appreciate me?" Noira sighed, contemplating her past. "At that time, I saw only one eye-to-eye with." She glanced at Boss. "But you already know how that story ends," she said mockingly.
"Then you came along."
"I delved into your memories back then and sensed a connection, a resemblance," Noira continued, producing a coin. "You and I are two sides of the same coin. Both were born with power; one wore their heart on their sleeve, while the other chose isolation."
"I could have ended your journey, returned to my slumber, and awaited the day to deal with my troublesome sister."
"No, that seemed selfish, dull, and uninteresting. Snuffing out life and taking yours would deprive me of the potential fun," she mused. "With technology back in our days, all you need is a press of a button or simply making a call."
"Where's the fun in that? Where's the creativity in snuffing out something as fragile as mortal life? Why does it always follow the same mundane path?"
"Then a brilliant idea struck." Noira tossed the coin to Boss, who caught it effortlessly. Holding her head high with both hands, she locked eyes with him. "A truly brilliant idea."
She tilted her head and pointed at Boss with one hand.
"Keeping someone alive."
"Seeing how far a being can push themselves and bend without breaking."
She held out the hand that pointed at Boss. The rest of the horchata flew into her palm and was shaped into a humanoid figure.
"Don't you think it's more exhilarating…" Said the watery figure morphed into her image.
"To see someone broken into pieces and still enjoy what they're going through?"
"To see someone with nothing but their head and still finding the will and joy the vestige of pleasure they have left?"
"To see someone go through the most horrendous thing that reality offers and still be pleased?"
"And that," the water figure flew back into the glass as she continued, "is art. Actual art."
Noira made a camera-hand gesture, focusing on the man.
"You, my love, are my magnum opus. The greatest of them all."
The man, so did his friend, remained silent, immediately reaching for his drink and downing it swiftly.
"I'll fetch more drinks. Want anything else?" Boss offered.
"You have a beer?" Noira inquired., smiling at his suggestion.
"Beer it is," he confirmed.
Boss and Mnemon headed to the kitchen. Once the glasses were in the sink, he quickly retrieved a small metal case, extracted a joint, and lit it.
He then took a whiff down the base. One breath.
"Okay, what the hell is wrong with that bitch?" Mnemon said, perching on the kitchen counter.
"Ich weiß es nicht!" Boss shouted. He honestly didn't expect this kind of madness from her.
"Still stick with sticking your dick in crazy?"
"Halt dein verficktes Maul."
They exchanged looks, a shared silence that spoke volumes.
"You know what? I give up," Mnemon threw their wings in frustration.
"I expected you'd argue or something."
"Learned from your memories: never reason with the irrationals," Mnemon exclaimed. "They will bring you down to their level, and you can't do shit about it. Nothing."
"True, true," Boss agreed. "So, what now?"
"It's your choice, Boss. Personally, I would wring that bitch's neck on the spot, regardless of what happened next. Shiteee, the Outer Wall seems very tempting right now." The crow joked.
"Don't."
"I know. Not best place for a long-term stay."
Mnemon looked straight at him.
"Look, we're both stuck in this together, but you're holding the wheel. Good old me's just a passenger. It's my duty to offer good counsel when you ask for it and offer better when you don't. Not my place to question your authority."
"And I have concluded that there's nothing I can do with this being anymore," Mnemon shuddered. "If you really think you can keep a choke on Noira, it's your choice, Boss."
Boss pondered for a moment before a sudden thought struck him.
"Could she have foreseen this? Of what we have become?"
Mnemon almost disagreed but reconsidered. During their final battle, Boss should've perished. When he assumed his new role, they were on the opposite side of the Wall. Moreover, the knowledge of what lay beyond seemed exclusive to few beings, Noira included.
"I'll be damned," Mnemon mumbled, at a loss for words, "She used you like a damn lab rat."
"I was already her lab rat when I accepted her help back then. There's no one to blame but myself. You know what? Fuck it!"
Boss pulled a case of six beer cans from the refrigerator and violently placed them in front of Mnemon.
"We ball."
"Fuck this," The crow did a vertical peace hand sign, "I'm going to sleep."
"Dude..."
"Crazy bitches are your type, not me. Have fun, pal." Said Mnemon, going back into Boss's inner dimension.
Boss chuckled at his friend's antics and fetched the beer case before returning to his room. Placing them between himself and Noira, they each grabbed a can and took a sip.
"You surely took your time," Noira commented.
"Thanks to someone," Boss retorted. "...You don't want to ask me anything?"
"The rule was long gone, you know."
"But it still feels strange if it's just me. Besides, whatever you do, you're still a guest."
"Only you would consider the person who tortured you as a guest," Noira shook her head. "Everyone else would gladly prefer a headless corpse."
"So... what will you do with your home planet?"
Boss took out the necklace containing his old planet, its miniature form shimmering softly in the dim light. He stared at it intently while rubbing the pendant with his thumb, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
"I'm thinking of rebuilding it," he revealed, determination lacing his voice.
Noira raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Rebuilding it? You owe nothing to that planet and its people. Their greed led to its downfall in the first place."
"Yes, you're right," Boss acknowledged, "War is where the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other."
"So do we, love. We are old. Very. Old. Worst, we were bored."
"True, but the 'bored' part is mostly you. Offense intended."
"None taken, love."
"It's my home, my heritage. Rebuilding isn't just about building houses; it's about reclaiming what was taken from me."
"I want to create something new," Boss continued, "A legacy that will surpass past mistakes."
"And who knows, maybe along the way, I'll find some peace, at least."
Another silence engulfed the room.
"Can you take me with you?" Noira asked.
"Nein," Boss flat-out refused.
"Think of it as a date. It'll be fun," The woman persisted.
"I do enjoy our rivalry—Well, minus your horrendous Scheiße and mind-fuckery," he corrected. "But this is my home planet we're talking about."
"How about another offer?" Noira sweetened the deal. "You take me with you, and I'll provide a better vessel. A perfect copy of your old body."
"And let you put a leash on me?" Boss cracked open another beer. "I'm not that naive."
"I promise there'll be no such thing," she pointed at Boss. "Your body won't last long. I understand your doubts, and you're entitled to them," she acknowledged.
"You've witnessed, been incited, and even participated in numerous significant events. After all that, I believe you deserve a reward."
Boss lifted his gaze to the sky, contemplating her words. He felt no different from controlling a decaying corpse each day due to his choice. If Noira's assertion was true and this was a perfect replica of his former self, it could resolve his current dilemma.
"I must respectfully decline," he stated.
"As expected," Noira responded, gazing out the window, her disappointment palpable.
"Ja. You wouldn't want to witness a fallen hero, would you?" Boss retrieved a can of beer and extended it toward her.
Noira could only stare at him with wide, surprised eyes.
"Our conversation brings to mind an old story idea from my Ma. A prophecy foretells the conflict between two individuals destined to be enemies. They start as friends but drift apart; one becomes a villain, a common trope. However, the villain tires of evil and seeks to reconcile with the good one, trying to defy fate. Yet, circumstances lead the good one to fall from grace, suspecting the reformed villain's intentions, resorting to villainy to 'prove' their former enemy's continued evil nature. Thus, the reformed villain must confront the fallen hero as the prophecy predicted. An intriguing idea, I must admit. Its resemblance to our situation is striking."
"Your intent to aid me, going on a date or something similar, I'm flattered. However, let me ask you something." Boss pointed at Noira. "If I were to lose myself in myself and become yours, would I still be the person you desired before?"
"..."
Boss simply shook his head.
"Noira," he uttered, meeting her surprise with a direct gaze.
"You, fraulein, are a formidable adversary. Considering your strength, strategies, and determination, I genuinely believe so, if not the best."
"Hence, I won't succumb to your temptations and will persist as your rival."
"It's the only way I can pay my utmost respect to you. For bringing the colors into my life, despite how shitty it was."
Noira bowed, resting her forehand on her hands, hiding her emotions.
"... You've got me there," she admitted.
Noira stood up and walked toward him. Due to his larger size than Noira, he couldn't discern her expression behind her messy hair even when seated.
Suddenly, she pushed him down, compelling him to lie on his back on the floor. Mnemon, witnessing this, became fearful for their friend and hurriedly went to Boss's aid. However, Noira employed her power to hurl them into the Wall. She then stasis-locked both Boss and Mnemon in place.
As Noira turned to face him, with her body positioned over his belly, Noira's eyes, instead of their usual heterochromia, had all turned a deep shade of purple. Her gaze bore into him with eyes wide open, devoid of the ordinary sparkle in normal eyes, making her appear more like a lifeless doll as she gazed at him.
Without hesitation, she seized his head and initiated a forceful kiss, the difference in their sizes making it appear as though she was devouring his tongue. The intense moment persisted for about a minute until she finally satisfied her dark urge, leaving a trail of saliva bridging the space between them.
Mnemon could only stare at the couple, mouth agape, while Boss, in turn, seemed to be baffled momentarily, thrown off by Noira's sudden actions.
"Does the word 'consent' even exist in your dictionary?"
Noira leaned in closer. She squeezed his groin, her intentions clear with every whispered word, "Don't tempt me, lover boy."
"Yes, ma'am.", Boss responded promptly.
Noira then dismounted him and regained her composure, releasing the stasis lock on both victims and allowing Boss to sit up again.
"Yes, that word does exist in my dictionary, though it tends to fade when it comes to you, love." Noira smiled dangerously. "As for my offer, I don't accept 'no' as an answer," she emphasized, pointing directly at Boss.
"What kind of offer is that?!?" he protested.
"My kind of offer. Three days, meet me in your old homeplace, right in the morning."
"And what if I don't?"
"If you don't, let's hear what your parents said when you're a no-show and that you stole a girl's first kiss."
"The last part was not true," Boss pointed back at her.
"Well, you manipulated an innocent girl's emotions to the point she outbursts and had to kiss you to relieve herself."
"Isn't that lie by omission? And what, gaslighting? Really?" Boss questioned.
"Yes, I can, and I will," Noira answered briefly.
Boss left speechless. However, a lingering question emerged in his mind.
"Hold up! What do you mean 'first kiss'?"
"That's not important here, love," Noira turned to face the other direction as she realized her mistake.
"Verdammt richtig, das ist es, du verrückte Frau!" Boss shouted.
"Anyways," Noira clapped her hands. "Remember. Three days, your old homeplace, in the morning."
"If you don't," she said as she tilted her head. "Imagine the things I'm going to do with you, love."
"Toodles." Noira disappeared without a trace.
After bidding farewell, Boss reclined on his back, gazing up at the ceiling as Mnemon landed on his chest.
"Well, that was... something."
"Yep."
Boss couldn't help but smile, reflecting on the day's events. As Mnemon aptly put it, it is a genuinely wild experience. The mere idea of Noira blushing made him pinch his nose bridge and break into a foolish grin.
"So... you're getting a new body."
"Yep."
"And Noira is going to be your possessive, manipulative, psychopathic girlfriend with multiple personalities?"
"Uh-huh. And before you say anything, I did fix her. She blushed. Can you believe that? The bitch actually fucking blushed."
"I think she made you worse," the crow frowned. "You both have some serious screws loose. But I'm grateful I ended up with someone more reasonable and stable."
"The fact that you live with me proves you're not entirely sane either, buddy." Boss burst into laughter.
"Shut the fuck up." Mnemon playfully cursed at his friend.
"How do you plan to rebuild your once-home?"
"I initially considered bringing some members of VoidTech to that planet, but then I had second thoughts. They probably wouldn't embrace the idea," Boss scoffed. "Just picture it – those guys wouldn't dare leave modern life to become what? Farmers? Toiling in the fields day by day just to earn a single coin. I think they're better off paying monthly taxes than doing that."
"Nah, tax evasion is a top priority for any living beings out there," Mnemon shook his head. "So, you're not thinking of opening another branch of VoidTech?"
"No," Boss grabbed Mnemon's shoulder and pushed him aside. He sat up, turning his head towards Mnemon. "If VoidTech establishes itself there and gains power, countless imitations will follow. That planet will soon be on its way to becoming a dystopia. It's no different from desecrating my home planet."
"Ah, yes, good old capitalism and The Age of Stupid. Yet, we can't do anything."
Boss remained silent; Mnemon's words rang true. Capitalism is the bloodline of the future, whether one likes it or not. The crucial difference lies in the leaders themselves – a seemingly simple solution, but more challenging than finding a needle in a haystack.
"Let's stop dwelling on that," he frowned. "The more you think, the more complicated it gets. When it happens, we improvise."
"Yeah," the crow agreed.
"We need to contact Pandora to get essential supplies out first. This will be a long ride."