As dawn broke, Nephis stirred in her bed, her mind still swirling with the revelations Cassie had unveiled the night before. A refreshing glass of water and a breath of crisp morning air through her open window worked wonders, revitalizing her spirit.
From her vantage point, she could spot the café in the distance. A flicker of worry crossed her mind—would he be upset about her sudden departure? Yet, the weight of Cassie's insights lingered, reminding her that the situation was far more intricate than she'd ever imagined.
As she strolled down the corridor, Nephis approached Cassie's door, her thoughts racing. "Oh no, I really did a number on that door. We'll definitely need a new one. Thankfully, no one was around last night; we can concoct a plausible tale to cover our tracks."
Pushing open the door to Cassie's office, she was greeted by the sight of a stunning blonde in her signature blue and white dress, poised behind her desk. The chair Nephis had occupied the previous night was discreetly cloaked in white, cleverly hidden from immediate view.
"Morning, Neph! How are you feeling? I hope you had a good night's rest," Cassie chirped.
"Much better, thanks for tucking me in last night. I appreciate it," Nephis replied, her gratitude genuine.
Cassie chuckled lightly. "Of course! That's what best friends are for. So, what's on your agenda now?"
"That depends. Have you spoken to him yet?" Nephis inquired, her heart racing.
"Not in detail. I just checked if he'd be at the café today, and he confirmed he would be."
"That's a relief. I've been mulling over what to say, but I'm terrified of what might happen."
"Do you think he's angry because you left without letting him explain?" Cassie asked gently.
"Maybe. I suspect he's more disappointed than furious, but who knows? What if he's really upset and doesn't want to talk to me?"
"Listen, Neph. If there's one thing I'm certain of, it's that if he didn't want to speak with you, he wouldn't be at the café. He's giving you the time and space you need. I haven't revealed that I showed you those memories, but I did mention we had a chat. Now, it's your turn to make the first move. He's keeping his distance because he's unsure of your feelings."
"I get it. Please tell him I'd like to meet and that I'm not upset about his secret identity."
"Absolutely! One lovebird message coming right up!" Cassie teased, a playful glint in her eye.
Nephis felt her cheeks flush crimson. "CASSIE!"
"Haha, sorry! I couldn't resist," Cassie laughed, focusing her thoughts on Sunny.
[Sunny?]
[Yes, Cassie? What's up?]
[Nephis just woke up and wants to talk to you. She's not angry about you being the Lord of Shadows.]
[Thank the gods! I was worried she hated me.]
[Nope, quite the opposite.]
[What exactly did she say?]
[Not my place to spill. You'll have your chat later, so where should I send her?]
[Good question. I'll close the café for today so we can meet here. I'll whip up a few things.]
[Perfect! I'll send her your way.]
[Thanks, Cassie. You're a lifesaver.]
[That's what friends are for!]
"He'd like to meet you at his café," Cassie informed Nephis.
"Alright, I'm off then. Wish me luck, Cassie."
"Of course! I'll be right here waiting."
"Okay, bye!"
Nephis closed the door behind her and retreated to her room, donning a casual white blouse and jeans, preparing herself for the encounter. As she made her way down the corridor, the scent of popcorn wafted through the air, but she brushed it aside, descending the tower's stairs. She could have flown to the café, but she preferred to savor the journey, allowing her mind to sort through her thoughts about Sunny.
Exiting the city through the gates, she headed toward the ferry. While waiting for it to ferry her across the lake, her mind spiraled into contemplation.
'What must it be like for him? To hold so many of my secrets while I know so little of his?'
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps snapped her from her reverie. She knew precisely who it was, and a wave of dread washed over her for not taking a secret passage. Resigned, she sighed deeply, bracing herself for the inevitable.
"Princessss!"
Effie swooped in, enveloping Nephis in a bear hug, lifting her off the deck and spinning her around like a child. After a moment, she set her down.
"What brings you here, Effie? I thought you were on a mission."
"I was, but we wrapped it up sooner than expected. With a week off before the next one, I couldn't resist visiting my favorite couple in Bastion!"
"Oh, that's great! I hope everything went smoothly."
"Absolutely! No casualties, just a few bumps and bruises. All in all, a successful mission."
"Sounds wonderful! What's your next destination?"
"I was actually heading to Master Sunless. I'm starving! We arrived yesterday, and I haven't eaten since. I was hoping to snag a bite at his café before heading back to my family."
Nephis felt a pang of frustration. She wanted to suggest Effie go elsewhere, but she knew that would only lead to relentless teasing. Instead, she adjusted her plan slightly.
"That's convenient! I'm on my way to meet him too."
"Oh, I see! You two are getting quite close. I heard you've been on several dates. So, how is he?"
"He's amazing! Our dates have been a blast, and he's incredibly passionate," Nephis replied, her heart fluttering.
"Really? I thought you'd take it slow, but I guess Master Sunless is just too charming to resist."
"What do you mean 'hold back'?"
"I mean, I didn't think you'd take my advice from the ferry so soon in your relationship."
Nephis froze, her cheeks heating up. 'I need to learn to articulate better. There's no escaping this one.'
"NO, EFFIE! That's not what I meant! We haven't done anything... I mean, we've just had normal dates. We haven't even kissed yet."
"Sure, whatever you say, Neph. I'm sure Master Sunless is a wonderful lover. You two are adorable, so I hope whatever you're doing lasts."
"Really, we haven't... Ahhh, why am I even trying to defend myself? But honestly, we haven't done anything—yet. I know better than to convince you otherwise."
"You're right; I don't believe you. But let's change the subject after we board the ferry."
Once inside the ferry's VIP area, they settled into a booth and ordered refreshments and appetizers.
"So, what's on your mind?" Nephis asked.
"I'll cut to the chase. Me, Kai, and Jet are heading to Godgrave to speak with the Lord of Shadows. We'd love for you and Cassie to join us since you've been there before and can show us the way."
"What's the discussion about?"
"To be honest, the government wants to recruit the Lord of Shadows as an agent. We know he won't accept, but we have to go anyway because it's an order. We'll spend a few days there and then return."
"Got it. I was planning to go there anyway to prepare for the war."
"Perfect! I hope I get to see him in action while we're there. You've hyped him up, so my expectations are high!"
"He's a formidable fighter and a force of nature. His swordsmanship is breathtaking, and his strategic mind rivals Cassie's."
Effie burst into laughter. "Oh my gods! Are you sure you're not in love with the Lord of Shadows instead of Master Sunless? You can't stop gushing about him!"
Nephis' face flushed again, and she muttered under her breath. 'Just wait until you find out. Then we'll see who's laughing.'
"What was that?"
"Oh, nothing! Just talking to myself. But no, I'm not easily swayed like you, and I'm loyal. I would never cheat on Master Sunless."
"Good, because honestly, I'm not a fan of the Lord of Shadows. Our last meeting left me a bit frustrated, so I'm hoping for a spar to see if he's all talk or if he's truly as skilled as he claims."
"Trust me, he won't disappoint."
"Great! We've arrived, so let's get off and find Master Sunless. My stomach is growling for some good food!"
"Let's go!"
Meanwhile, in the café, Sunny was in a whirlwind, preparing a feast for Nephis. He was determined to make this conversation as special as possible, knowing it would be challenging for both of them.
"I really hope she's got an appetite when she arrives, because I've whipped up a feast fit for a king."
Just then, the doorbell chimed, and he turned to welcome Nephis, only to find his heart plummeting as Effie materialized right behind her. His jaw dropped, and for a moment, he forgot how to form words.
"Uh... H-Hello! I didn't expect to see you here, Saint Athena."
Nephis shot him an apologetic glance.
"I intended to come alone, but I bumped into Saint Athena on the way, and it turns out she was headed here too. Sorry about that!"
"Oh, no worries! I actually made way too much food, so it's all good. Come on in and take a seat. I'll be right with you two."
They stepped inside, and Sunny flipped the sign on the door to 'Closed,' hoping no other guests would show up.
'Great, Effie will probably devour everything and then vanish again.'
"I see you've prepared quite the spread for just the two of you, Master Sunless. It's almost as if you knew I'd be joining."
"Well, I couldn't quite decide what to make, so I went all out. Feel free to dig in, Saint Athena. There should be plenty for everyone—at least, I hope so."
"Thanks! You won't have to ask me twice."
Meanwhile, Nephis observed Sunny, contemplating how starkly different he was from the Lord of Shadows. Their movements, their speech, even their appearances were worlds apart.
'He's a master of disguise; I don't feel so foolish for not noticing sooner. No one could ever connect the dots between them. Even the aura he gives off is muted by that mantle he wears.'
"Is there anything specific you'd like to eat or drink? I have some cake and coffee left if you're interested."
"I'd love some cake! Everything you make is divine, but that cake you served last time was my favorite."
"Cake for the Lady Changing Star, coming right up!"
Meanwhile, Effie was demolishing the food with astonishing speed, as if a black hole resided in her stomach.
"I've missed your cooking, Master Sunless! I used to think Nephis was the best, but your dishes are on another level. I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy that you're already taken."
"Well, your husband could always swing by for some cooking lessons if he's interested. I'd be happy to share my culinary secrets so you can enjoy my recipes more often."
"Good idea! Maybe he could teach you a thing or two about the bedroom, if you catch my drift," Effie chuckled.
"Bedroom? I think I know all there is to know about that. I could give you a tour upstairs if you're curious."
Suddenly, Effie choked on her food, while Nephis's cheeks turned crimson, her mouth agape in shock.
Sunny raised an eyebrow, realizing his blunder. His voice rose a notch as he scrambled to salvage the situation.
"Oh no, I'm such an idiot! I didn't realize what you meant. I thought you were talking about actual furniture! Ugh, I'm so dense."
Effie erupted in laughter, and to Sunny's surprise, Nephis joined in, chuckling softly to herself.
"You two are a perfect match—both as clueless as rocks! I love it! Keep it up, Master Sunless; it's pure comedy."
"I'm a bit embarrassed, but I really am sorry. Still, my offer for your husband stands. I'd love to teach him how to cook. Sharing knowledge is something I enjoy, alongside delving into history."
"I had no idea you were a scholar, Master Sunless. Every time I visit, I learn something new about you. And like I said, my husband could teach you a thing or two as well—especially about handling a woman in need of passion."
Suddenly, the air in the room grew thick with tension. Sunny thought he might have left the stove on, but a glance at Nephis revealed a fierce glare directed at Effie.
"Effie, I think it's time for you to take your leave. Your hunger seems to be satisfied, considering how much you're chatting."
"I'm still a bit hungry, actually."
"EFFIE."
"Alright, alright! I'll head out. Have fun, Princess! I'll give you a heads-up next time I plan to visit your café, Master Sunless."
"Of course, Saint Athena! I hope everything was to your liking, and I'll see you next time. Give my regards to your husband and son!"
"Master Sunless, please just call me by my name. It feels awkward when you use my title. Just call me Effie like my friends do, okay?"
"Alright, then I'd like you to call me Sunny in return."
"Wonderful! Have a lovely day, you two."
"You too, Effie! See you around!"
And just like that, they were alone. Nephis felt a wave of nervousness wash over her; part of her wished Effie were still there, but she also knew that would mean more teasing, which she couldn't bear.
"I'll clean up the table, and then we can hopefully have a chat, Lady Nephis."
"Could you please drop the 'lady' part? It feels like you're keeping your distance. Just call me Neph, alright, Sunny?"
"Of course, Neph. Just wait here; I'll be right back."
He summoned shadowy hands that whisked away the dirty dishes in one swift motion. Wiping the table clean, he returned with tea and coffee, settling down across from her.
Sunny felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach. He had envisioned how this conversation would unfold, wanting to take the lead, but Nephis spoke first.
"I want to apologize for how I left yesterday. It was unfair to abandon you without a word and not give you a chance to explain. I'm truly sorry for how I treated you, Sunny. I hope it doesn't strain our relationship, and I hope we can move forward."
"Honestly, I expected something like this. I feared it would go much worse. I thought you might hate me for keeping secrets from you for so long and that you wouldn't want to continue our relationship."
"No, it's fine. You told me you had many secrets you might never share. I reacted poorly."
"It's true I said that, but I have even more secrets I've kept from you, and I genuinely want to share them."
"Before you go on, I need to confess something, Sunny. Cassie and I talked last night, and she revealed a secret about you. I had my suspicions, but she confirmed them."
"What are you talking about? There are many things I wanted to share with you today—some small, some significant."
"Okay, here's the deal. When I first visited you in Godgrave, during our spar, you used my family's sword style. When I asked who taught you, you said 'Nobody.' At first, it didn't register, but then I recalled the Exploration Report about the Tomb of Ariel, written by an anonymous person also called 'Nobody.' I kept mulling it over, and yesterday, when I confronted Cassie, she spilled everything. She even showed me the memories you shared with her in exchange for her help with the Labyrinth in the real Bastion."
"I see. I'm surprised you could hold onto those memories. Normally, everyone forgets them instantly. Cassie is the only one who remembers she forgot something because of her aspect, so she was the only one I could confide in."
"I don't know why I can retain those memories, but I'm grateful because now I understand why I always felt this sense of familiarity with you. It's as if you've always been a part of my life, and now I know why."
"You can't imagine how happy I am that it turned out this way. After our third nightmare, I made a choice that cost me my fate, severing my connection to the Nightmare spell and most of my memories. The worst part was that everyone forgot me. When I crawled out of those ruins and saw you, I was ecstatic about conquering the third nightmare and rushed toward you. But when I looked into your eyes and saw nothing but confusion, and you yelled 'STOP,' I froze. When you asked me to identify myself, it shattered my heart. You know what happened after that—I lost the will to live for a while, something I hadn't felt since my first nightmare."
"I know. Cassie showed me your memories, so I understand the pain you endured. To be honest, I don't know how you managed it. It was too much for me. When Cassie revealed those memories, I cried—a lot. And I wasn't even the one who experienced it, so I'm grateful you're here, Sunny. I don't know if I could have come back if I were in your shoes."
"Actually, I owe you my thanks, Neph."
"For what?"
"For being the reason I returned."
"I'm sure I'm not the only reason. What about Cassie, Effie, Kai, and Jet?"
"Sure, they all played significant roles, but ultimately, it was you. Without you still being out there, I wouldn't have chosen to come back."
"Really? What about that girl in Ravenheart? Isn't she also important to you?"
"Ah, but I believed she could manage without my presence. I gifted her a fragment of my essence, the serpent you glimpsed in Godgrave. One of its powers allows me to bestow it upon someone, serving as their protector."
"Oh, I see! By the way, who is she? At first, I thought she was your daughter since you share such a resemblance. I was worried you'd deceived me when you claimed you had no wife or children, but Cassie quickly clarified that she's far too old to be your child."
"Ahem, no, she's not my daughter; she's actually my sister."
"You have a sister? Does she know? How old is she?"
"Yes, I have a sister, and no, she doesn't know I'm her brother. She believes I'm just her teacher, and she should be around 21 now."
"Alright, good to know."
"It's amusing that you thought I was lying."
"Why is that amusing?"
"You forgot, but it's something I wanted to share with you. Since I'm aware of your flaw, I thought it only fair to reveal mine. It's funny you thought I was dishonest because my flaw is that I can't lie."
"What? You can't lie? At all?"
"Exactly. I'm compelled to answer every question directed at me with the truth."
"That's why you referred to yourself as Kai's best friend at the gate when he asked who you were."
"Exactly, though I did it just to tease him. I could've simply said I'm the lord of shadows, but I wanted to witness that expression on his face after so many years. Kai and I have always been best friends, our flaws complementing each other perfectly. The poor guy thought my honesty was admirable, which is part of why he liked me so much."
"I must admit, you handle your flaw quite well. I even noticed it at my mansion after the assassination attempt when you explained why you wanted to help me. I could have figured out your flaw back then, but I didn't."
"Yes, my flaw has always been both a curse and a blessing, and it influenced my choice at the end of our third nightmare."
"How so? Did you try to rid yourself of it?"
"No, I sought to eliminate something else—something that has troubled us both since the end of the Forgotten Shore."
"What do you mean? Like between us? I've been curious about our relationship before the end of the third nightmare."
"I'm afraid I can't divulge that. I can attempt to explain, but you'll likely forget."
"Give it a shot; I haven't forgotten anything yet, so let's try."
"Alright, the reason I chose to leave our group at the end of the third nightmare was my desire for freedom. It's complicated how it unfolded, but the outcome is what matters. My innate ability is called Shadow Bond, a chain that binds me to whoever speaks my true name aloud, making me their servant. When that happens, I must obey any command given by my master, and I can see their runes, just as they can see mine."
"Okay, I understand, but how did that happen? I assume I spoke your true name at some point. Is that why our relationship was strained in the past?"
"Yes, no… Ah, it's complicated. Would you like me to explain in detail?"
"Yes, please. I truly want to understand you better and our shared past."
"Okay, but it will take some time."
"That's fine; we have time, don't we?"
"You're right; we do. So let me begin."
Sunny delved into the tale of the Forgotten Shore that led to his enslavement, recounting how Cassie discovered his secret and why she shared it with Nephis, all the way to their climactic battle atop the Crimson Spire, where she ultimately saved him by sending him away. He summarized the tumultuous events that followed: his complex relationship with Cassie, his second nightmare, Antarctica, and everything that transpired between them during the third nightmare. The recounting took Sunny about three hours, with Nephis asking numerous questions and navigating a whirlwind of emotions throughout. Eventually, he reached the conclusion.
"And that's how I lost my fate to that vile, thieving bird."
"So you're telling me you're not only a mongrel but also the Devil of Antarctica?"
"Yes, as I mentioned, the mongrel part was an accident, and the Devil of Antarctica is merely a nickname people gave me."
"Wait… but that means… oh no."
"What's wrong, Neph?"
Nephis was lost in thought, recalling their date at the theater. She covered her face with her hands, struggling to articulate her thoughts.
"I was just reflecting on our time at the theater, and now I understand why you felt so embarrassed."
"Oh right, that wasn't the first time. Back when I planned to challenge the second nightmare, Effie insisted on two conditions: we had to bring Cassie along, and I had to watch the movie made about our cohort on the Forgotten Shore. She knew how much I'd loathe watching that film, so she made it one of her stipulations."
"Yeah, that sounds like something Effie would do."
"But that's what we adore about her, right?"
Nephis chuckled. "You're right. She was the friend you mentioned when you said you once had a friend just like her, correct?"
"Exactly. There were countless moments where I had to navigate the fact that I was your long-lost friend while my flaw tried to sabotage me. It was agonizing returning and pretending I didn't know anyone, especially with Effie, Cassie, Kai, Jet, and you. But I also knew that avoiding contact with you would hurt even more. Now, I think it's okay as it is. I plan to reclaim my fate, but that's a distant goal. For now, we should focus on the immediate threat."
"I have to disagree with you, Sunny."
"What? Why? What do you mean, Neph?"
"I know it sounds strange coming from me, but I don't think it's right for you to constantly tiptoe around the fact that you know someone while pretending it's your first encounter. I can sense the deep hurt within you whenever it happens, and it pains me to witness your suffering because of it."
"Thanks for your kind words, but honestly, I don't even know where to begin. That bird could be anywhere, and I have no idea if killing it would restore my fate. Not to mention, taking down a cursed creature would be nearly impossible as a saint. So, I believe it must wait until the war is over; becoming a supreme would certainly help with that."
"You're right, of course. So it's settled then."
"What's settled?"
"I will do everything in my power to help you regain your fate after we finish this war."
"Thank you, Neph, for always being there for me."
Nephis felt a blush creep onto her cheeks at Sunny's words. She had known for a while how she felt about him and longed to express those feelings but never found the courage to do so.
'Why is it so difficult to say three words? He said he felt the same and wanted to express his feelings for ages. Now that the Shadow Bond is out of the way, it should be easier, but why is it still so hard?'
"Neph?"
"Umm, yeah, what's up?"
"Nothing, you just seemed lost in thought, and it must have been something serious given your expression."
"Sunny?"
"Yes, Neph?"
"Could you please stand up?"
"Yeah, of course."
They both rose, and Nephis walked around the table to stand directly in front of Sunny, taking his hands as she began to speak.
"Sunny, I feel like there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time now."
"Yeah, I know. I've wanted to tell you the same thing for ages."
They stood uncomfortably close. Sunny had always been a bit shorter than Nephis, but after reaching sainthood, he finally matched her height.
The tension in the room was palpable, and with each passing second, the air grew warmer until they both spoke simultaneously.
"I love you."
"I love you."
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Nephis had anticipated it, yet it still bewildered her that they had said it at the same moment. Before she could say anything further, her mind raced, and suddenly Sunny was even closer, his lips pressed against hers.
'What is happening? Why is my body moving on its own? Why are my hands on the back of his head? Why do I feel so hot… so light?'
Sunny felt the same, wishing he could remain in this moment forever.
'Why didn't I say it sooner? Why didn't I act on this earlier? Why did I wait so long?'
They both felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, a weight that had lingered in their minds for years finally released. As they continued to kiss, both breathing heavily, they pondered what to do next.
"What's happening right now?"
"I don't know, but it feels incredible."
"You're right; it does."
"What do you want to do?"
"I'm not sure; I can't think straight."
"Me neither. Should we just go with it and see where it takes us?"
"That sounds like a splendid idea."