Leon mulled over the plight even all the way to his hotel room, where he sat at the bed's edge. The familiar unkempt air surrounded him. Amidst his speculation, Zane's last word echoed in his mind.
Leon swallowed.
'Killing me makes you the House of Ursa's target.' That statement unmistakably held a significant threat...
FWOOSH...
"Eh...?" Leon jerked backwards, seeing as the air tore open to reveal a red-furred cat.
Its sudden appearance had only caught him by surprise. But not anymore. The cat inching closer to him, Leon lowered himself before it. He arched a brow at the sight of a leather satchel fastened along its body.
He drew closer, fetching the pouch.
"Let's see..." he mumbled as he opened it.
Finding a rolled-up paper inside, Leon paused for a moment. He knew that the likes of this charming cat were a Cipher, message bearers over long distances. Thus, his curiosity lay in who had sent him the message.
Upon unfurling the paper, the message read:
"A concord isn't a reckless leap of faith like a gamble. So, it would be just right for us to meet and discuss things better. Actually, a desperate wine can't wait to be drunk by us soon. So, follow the cat for direction and get here on time.
-Scarlet Hayes."
Leon narrowed his eyes. 'Beats me why she's too conversational today...'
In the aftermath, Leon trailed behind the cat through the bustling city. Meanwhile, his decision to meet up was actually for her to be wary of the Ursas. A House poses appears more dangerous than an Order as their unique Constellation is generationally passed. Hence, they exist in more number.
Every step Leon took with the cat eclipsed the gruesome environment behind them. Upon stepping into the heart of the Writhing Woods, the rustling leaves welcomed them.
Shortly, Leon arrived atop a cliff. At this point, he got a close view of mountain ranges shrouded in heavy fog. Sitting at the cliff's close end was the braided lady, her legs crossed.
Pebbles crunched underfoot as Leon strode forward; Scarlet glanced back. Leon looked away as their eyes locked, clearing his throat.
"You made it in time," Scarlet said in a gentle voice.
***
Heavy fogs twisted around valleys like restless spirits...
Leon lifted his gaze at Scarlet. He cleared his throat again.
"So, um... I mean, not that it's essential, but... doesn't becoming the House of Ursa's target bother you? I mean, it was like you risked some probabilities to save me that day... not that I'm an ingrate, I just - uh, find it not like someone like you..."
Leon swallowed. He found himself laughable as he still struggled to have a simple chat with the lady. At this point, he assumed it wasn't only because of her superior personality.
Scarlet arched a brow. "Standing against injustice, protecting the weak... such a mindset over decades hasn't contained me in any place near Eden either."
Leon nodded. "I see."
It was now clear she had prepared herself to be a casualty from the outset. Then, Leon told himself he should now voice out his thoughts over an alliance...
Exhaling sharply, he began, "Uhm... Miss Scarlet. I must let you know, that... about allying together, I-"
"Why not talk this over a cup of wine?" Scarlet interposed with a tight smile. Then, she turned to fetch a glass of wine and two wooden cups from her bag.
Leon sighed without making a sound.
The cups clacked as she placed them on the cliff, while a glugging sound echoed in Leon's ears as she filled them.
"I heard reasons and conclusions go hand in hand. We do not have to rush things, do we?"
The fruity scent of the golden wine wafted to Leon's nose. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that Scarlet was hiding something.
Scarlet lifted her cup of wine. Leon, catching her intent, picked up his own and clinked it against hers in a silent toast. He hesitated for a moment before taking a sip, only drinking after she did. Leon swallowed, the fruity taste clinging to his throat.
Straightening her back, Scarlet said,
"For someone affording to play weak, it's believable you also have a solid reason not to head for Remnora just yet. Thus, I'm withdrawing my alliance offer..."
Leon creased his brows. "You're withdrawing... just like that...?"
"Yes," Scarlet responded, a gentle smile framing her face. "But to demand something else from you. Have you ever heard of the Key?"
Leon was familiar with the relic and its sole purpose. But why was she mentioning it in this kind of situation? Maintaining a steady careful tone, he replied, "Yes, I do..."
"Back then, I was part of a smooth-running voyaging team. That means I was once caught between Mecha Ruin and Remnora, facing many challenges. But... on a cruel night, one of my teammates died..."
HISS! A deafening sound streaked into Leon's ears without warning.
"Ah!" Leon grunted, squeezing his eyes shut. He grimaced.
Scarlet leaned closer and whispered, "Are you okay?" Her expression grew plain.
"Just... keep going," Leon wheezed.
Scarlet swallowed. "So, as I was saying, one of my teammates died. And I returned to Mecha Ruin with the hope of reviving him with the Key. In short, I have now located that relic, hidden deep within the Oracle's Tomb..."
"Ah!" Leon screamed, the noise streaking up again. This time louder.
In the next second, everything became silent. It was like being the only one in a big mansion. At first, Leon could only hear his shaky breath. But, in the next second, Scarlet's voice streaked into his mind:
"I'm sorry we have to end up this way, but this is how much I could go to rescue my loved one. He was the only light in my life... the only one that had ever shown me love after my entire family was murdered... And I can't seat around while I know there's a chance to resurrect him..."
Her voice carried a surreal weight; she was considerate on one end, yet manipulative on the other. Like a dying man wishing to rewind time, Leon wanted to open his eyes. To return to reality... but it was as if someone forced him to have a slumber he stood against. One which seemed like an eternity.
Meanwhile, amid the fading thread of sanity he retained, it dawned on him. The lady had tampered with the wine!
If so, why wasn't she affected?
Her voice streaked up again. So, listen to me with close attention. For today and tomorrow, you must follow every command I give. Think of it as your goal; one that you desire with great intensity. Every words, every steps... you must abide by it without hesitation. Do you understand?"
Leon wanted to scream out his fury, to punch her in the face... but it all ended in a forced wording.
Before he knew it... he had straightened his back. He could now see, but the person before him wasn't ordinary any more. Instead, she was a deity he had always been worshipping.
"Yes, I understand."