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Aaru - Chapter 30 (The Never-Ending Trial)[Part 2]
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Here is part 2 of Chapter 30, starting off right where part 1 stopped as Malakye was stopped by the Tower Guards as he makes his way to see the Deity Davina.
***************************************************************************************************************
“HALT!” The Guard to my right declared. “You do not have permission to enter the tower!”
“I am aware.” I agreed. “I request permission to enter.”
“I am not capable to authorise that!” The guard retorted.
“I am aware.”
“Then…”
“Please inform Lady Davina that Malakye is requesting an audience.” The two guards exchanged glances. It seemed my request was not one they were expecting, or one that was commonly requested. “I have been chosen for a mission, named by Lady Davina herself.” I explained. “I wish to speak to her.”
“Be that as it may. We cannot grant you permission. Only a Priest, a Champion or…”
“Malakye?” A gentle voice cut off the guard.
“Lady Kira!” Both guards saluted as I turned around.
It was indeed Kira; Davina’s Champion. The white pelted fox smiled warmly at me.
“Are you her to see Lady Davina?” She asked.
“Yes.”
“Very well. I shall take responsibility.” She declared in a soft tone, but her words carried significant authority.
The guards immediately returned to their original positions, now content that I was allowed to enter. Kira walked towards the door, and with a gentle push the doors swung open. I was impressed at how easily she opened those heavy doors. I followed her up the long stairwell to the top of the tower.
“Thank you.” I said.
“Think nothing of it. Lady Davina was hoping to speak to you.”
“She was?”
“Quite so. She has a vested interest in you.” She looked over her shoulder at me with a smile. “You seem quite capable. I’m sure you shall live up to her expectations.”
“And if I don’t?”
She didn’t reply with words. She just smirked at me, as if she knew something. But it was apparent that she had no intention of telling me what it was. It took several minutes to climb the stairs. She escorted me to Davina, who was lounging on a pile of pillows, a goblet in one paw and a vine of grapes in the other. She looked up and smiled at me as we approached.
“I’ve been expecting you.” She smiled.
“Did you have a vision, or am I just that predictable?” I asked.
“I’ll let you decide that for yourself.” She smirked. “So, what do you want to know?”
“Don’t you already know?” I countered. She just met my gaze and continued to smirk at me. “Tell me about the mission. Where will I find the curi’nakra?”
“In the North Eastern region of the Tribal Lands.” She replied. “I cannot give you an exact location. But they are participating in the war currently being waged there.”
“Are they dragon or wolf?”
“I do not know that either.”
“Are you really an oracle?” I frowned, mildly frustrated at the lack of answers I was receiving from her.
“I can assure you that I am.” She chuckled. “But as I said, I see multiple futures. I have not yet seen the curi’nakra, something is hiding them from me. Likely the Demon Lord they have made a pact with has taken precautions and protected them from my gaze. But I have seen the destruction that will come if we do not stop them. From there I worked backwards through the events which occurred in the vast majority of the potential futures, following the thread, and traced them to one of the five settlements surrounding the Northern part of the Zangarian Mountain range.”
“They are in one of the settlements?”
“Yes, or at the very least are operating out of one of them.”
“So how exactly am I meant to find them? I doubt that they are going to be obvious about it.”
“That is down to you.” She smiled. “I have however arranged for a tool to aid with your search.”
Almost as if on cue I heard the door to the chamber open. I turned around to see Callen and Jan’Zar entering, followed by another individual I recognised from the meeting of the Guardian Deities. If memory served me right, he was Gallium; the Guardian Deity of Craftsmen. His current form was that of a drake with thick black scales. Scales that looks so thick that a spear would never pierce them! He rivalled Garr in size, but he wore simple leather and dirty cloth clothing; what you’d expect from a smithy.
“Excellent timing!” Davina smiled.
“Malakye? What are you doing here?” Callen asked.
“I came to ask Davina some questions.” I said. “What are you doing here?”
He didn’t reply, he just looked at Davina.
“So this is why you asked us to bring his equipment?” Callen asked her.
“What matters is that you are here.” She said with an amused tone.
So she had summoned them, knowing that I would be here when they’d arrive? I guess she was an oracle after all. I had only decided to come and speak to her a short time ago, there was no way for her to arrange this by coincidence; not if she asked them to bring the equipment for me.
“As promised, I have arranged a few tools for your journey.”
As if this scene had been rehearsed, Gallium stepped towards me, his heavy steps echoed throughout the chamber. He held out a sword to me as he approached. This close to him his scent reminded me of Zangar; more precisely the smithies and their forges. The scent of fire and steel. The scent clung to him like a heavy cloak. He had been at a forge recently. I bowed my head in thanks as I took the sword.
The first thing I noticed was the swords weight. It was perfect. Light enough that I could easily bear the blade in a single paw, but with a heft to it that gave me confidence in its quality. I didn’t need to pull the sword from its scabbard, perfectly polished to mirror like sheen, to know that this sword was of the highest quality. I pulled the blade from its prison, and just like the scabbard the blade itself was black, and was a one-sided blade with a slight curve. I had never used a sword like this before, but I had seen one of the var’tan use one similar in design. They had called it a katana. Just looking at it you could tell how strong the blade was. It would not break easily. Unusually it did not have a guard, a fact I found a little odd. The hilt itself was made of high-quality black leather, that criss-crossed over a red ribbon that trailed from the bottom of the hilt.
“It is beautiful.” I acknowledged.
“Thank you. This was crafted for you and you alone.” Gallium relied stoicly.
“You made this?”
“Of course!” He smiled. “Even here in Aaru there are few smiths who are capable of forging a weapon like this, let alone in such a short amount of time. And even they are incapable of applying runes to it.”
“Runes?” I looked at the blade once more. I could see nothing engraved on the perfectly smooth surface of the blade.
“They have been folded into the blade itself. They use the natural effects of the metal and enhance them.”
Suddenly I realised what the blade was made of. Gallium. The same metal named after the Deity of Craftsmen himself. A metal that allowed k’tan, and anyone capable of using nen, to channel and store their nen in the blade. Even in the mortal realm the metal itself was incredibly rare. Weapons that were relics of the ancient war, all of which had been crafted by Gallium himself during the great Demon War. My father carried the remains of such a weapon, but it had a gallium core rather than a blade made entirely of the metal itself.
“The blade will not only enhance your capability in battle, but you will be able to use it to help control the spirits power.” He explained. “So long as it has a sufficient supply of your kii, it will also repair minor damage it receives over time, and will remain as sharp as it is now.”
“That’s incredible!” I exclaimed. Looking at the blade with new found awe and respect.
“It is a weapon worthy of a Champion.” He said bluntly. “Do not misuse it!”
“I will not. I shall cherish it.”
“I had intended on making you a spear after hearing that it was your favoured weapon.” He rumbled. I looked at him curiously. “But Lady Davina was infuriatingly insistent on you have a sword such as this.”
I look from him to Davina. It was strange that she would be so specific about the weapon I was to receive. I was far more proficient with a spear than I was a sword. But I had received considerable training with swords as well, so I would be able to use it in a fight. I’m sure she had her reasons for such a request; she was an oracle after all.
“And so, we move on to the second tool at your disposal!” Davina said cheerfully, motioning towards Callen.
“With the authority of the council, I hereby confer upon you a title.” Callen declared in a tone I’d only heard him use when addressing a crowd. Whatever this was it was an official declaration. “The council has approved Lady Davina’s recommendation to bestow upon you the title of Daemon!”
Daemon!? That was the title held by legendary k’tan. Ones recognised by the Guardian Deities by their deeds during the Demon War! Their deeds had been immortalised in stories for centuries. Why was I being given such a title?!
“Why…”
“Don’t let it go to your head twerp!” Jan’Zar barked. “Davina’s recommendation only just managed to garner enough support from the council for you to be allowed to hold such a title! I don’t believe you are worthy of it! No matter who recommends otherwise!” She shot a glare towards Davina; one that held a great amount animosity behind it.
“I shall endeavour to not besmirch the honour of those that have held the title before me.” I replied.
“Other than the original k’tan, only four other furs have held that title! You do not understand its significance.” Jan’Zar growled.
“Jan.” Callen sighed. Jan’Zar huffed at him but it seemed it was enough to cease her angry tirade.
“And now for your third and final tool.” Davina said, obviously in an attempt to change the subject. “A knife given to all Daemon, crafted from what your kind called a perception stone.”
A perception stone was a tool used to read the affinity of the k’tan who channelled their nen through it. A useful tool in helping to train young Zangarian k’tan. But how would such a thing help me discover the identity of the curi’nakra? Gallium offered a sheathed knife in his outstretched paw. I bowed my head in thanks and took the knife. I pulled the blade free and examined it. It looked like it was made from glass. A moment later a faint white light flicked from within the blade itself.
“The blade is made from a purified perception stone.” Gallium explained. “It will react to the nature of the one who holds it, without the need of them being able to channel their kii into it. When the blade turns blood red, the one holding it has been corrupted by demonic power. If it turns black, then you will know the identity of the curi’nakra.”
“That will be useful. Thank you.” I bowed my head once more to him.
“With these tools at your disposal your chances of success are improved dramatically. However, it is down to you to decide how you use them!” Davina declared.
“I shall do my upmost to ensure that I succeed and that I live up to the trust you have given me!” I declared confidently.
“You shall depart tomorrow. I recommend that you complete any preparations you need for your journey before then.”
“I shall help you.” Callen offered. I nodded my head to him in thanks.
I knew he was wanting to spend some time with me before my departure. I still could not reciprocate his feelings, but that did not mean I did not understand them. Allowing him to help me was as much a kindness to him as his offer of help was to me.
After leaving the tower Jan’Zar stormed off by herself. Gallium excused himself, leaving Callen and I by ourselves. With his help I gathered enough supplies for a few days’ worth of food. I had asked him about some armour, but he had to decline my request, even though I could see he wanted to give it to me. It was apparently one of Davina’s requests that I was not given any armour to take with me on my journey, nor any coin to be able to acquire any. I was allowed to use armour if I was able to procure it otherwise.
There was no conceivable reason why I was not allowed even basic leather armour. But this was Davina’s request, and often times oracles did things for unfathomable reasons that more often than not remained a mystery. I was given a hooded travel cloak, standard issue for Rukan’dokra that departed on missions. It was light and effective against the rain, but not particularly warm, but that was not really an issue for me; I was able to use my fire bending to regulate my body temperature so that cold weather was not an issue.
After we had finished our preparations Callen asked if I wanted to go for a walk. I didn’t mind, but he seemed to want it, so I entertained his suggestion and we began walking around the temple grounds. It was strange, not feeling the emotions I remembered feeling in his presence. It almost made me question if they were really my feelings at all, or if they had belonged to someone else. Looking at him I could see how someone could be attracted to him, but I felt no such attraction in this moment.
We eventually came to the Eastern Gardens. An area filled with trees and flowers, and was a popular place for furs to come and lose themselves in their own thoughts. I had spent some time here myself and got lost in my own thoughts, trying to work things out when I felt overwhelmed. As we rounded a corner Callen suddenly pushed me against a tree and pressed his muzzle to my own.
After a few moments he slowly pulled away. The kiss had been intense and lustful on his part. I had just stood there and accepted it, hoping that it would sate him; knowing that it wouldn’t. He looked me in the eyes with a pained, longing expression.
“I’m sorry.” I said.
“No… I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I shouldn’t have…” He stepped back, his ears flat to his head, and his gaze looking everywhere except at me. He eventually looked me in the eye and asked, “Do you really not feeling anything?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I remember the feelings I used to feel, like echoes, but even those fade.”
“I see.” He whimpered.
I was not used seeing him so vulnerable. Did my current state truly upset him so much? Even when we were alone, where he would openly show his emotions to me, I had never seen him like this. There was a part of me, deep down, that desired to comfort him. But it was not a strong enough feeling to act upon.
“This is not permanent.” I reminded him.
“I know. It doesn’t make it any easier.” He forced a smile. “You are leaving on a dangerous mission, one where you could die.”
“I’m not going to die easily!” I declared. “I have been thoroughly trained!”
“I know that.”
“I will complete my mission and return.”
“I know that.”
“Then why are you so worried?”
“BECAUSE!” He exploded, catching himself. “Because I don’t know what I’d do if I did lose you! The thought of this being the last time we speak to each other…”
“It’s not the memory you want if it’s the last time?”
“Yes. I know it sounds selfish!” He admitted. “But you must understand, I have cared about many mortals, for many different reasons, but time is a cruel mistress.”
“Because we die and you don’t.” I understood.
“Yes. And I don’t want my last memory of you being like this.”
I stood and thought about what I could do to help him. If I could feel emotions as I once had I knew I’d be able to console him; but that was the problem wasn’t it? Now, in my current state I was second guessing each and every idea I had. But there was perhaps one thing I could do for him.
“I will spend the night with you.” I stated.
“You will?”
“Yes. We can make love as well.”
“Is that because you want to, or because you think it will make me feel better?” He asked. I wasn’t sure if I should lie or tell the truth. I had no desire to sleep with him. Sex seemed entirely unappealing even though I knew how pleasurable it could be. I took too long to reply, and he seemed to realise this for himself. “I see. Thank you for the offer. But if you don’t want to do it, I don’t want to either.”
“Sorry.” I apologised.
“But if you would, I would appreciate sleeping next to you one last time.”
“Until I return.” I reminded him.
“Until you return.” He smiled.
“With my emotions returned.” I pointed out.
“Hopefully.” He smiled a little more. “But even if they haven’t returned by then, I will be happy to see you return back to us, safe and sound.” He leaned in a gave me a gentle kiss on my brow.
“I will return safely.”
“I’m going to hold you to that!” He smiled. He was obviously feeling better now. “Well then, why don’t we go get washed up for dinner? The Priests are preparing a special meal in honour of your departure.”
“Are we going to be having meat?” I asked curiously.
“Yes.”
“Goku will be happy.” I said, remembering Goku’s pleasure on the rare occasion the acolytes meals included meat.
“HA!” Callen laughed heartily. “Yes, I’m sure he will be.”
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I_Love_Critique
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Here is part 2 of Chapter 30, starting off right where part 1 stopped as Malakye was stopped by the Tower Guards as he makes his way to see the Deity Davina.
***************************************************************************************************************
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Chapter 30
************
[Part 2]“HALT!” The Guard to my right declared. “You do not have permission to enter the tower!”
“I am aware.” I agreed. “I request permission to enter.”
“I am not capable to authorise that!” The guard retorted.
“I am aware.”
“Then…”
“Please inform Lady Davina that Malakye is requesting an audience.” The two guards exchanged glances. It seemed my request was not one they were expecting, or one that was commonly requested. “I have been chosen for a mission, named by Lady Davina herself.” I explained. “I wish to speak to her.”
“Be that as it may. We cannot grant you permission. Only a Priest, a Champion or…”
“Malakye?” A gentle voice cut off the guard.
“Lady Kira!” Both guards saluted as I turned around.
It was indeed Kira; Davina’s Champion. The white pelted fox smiled warmly at me.
“Are you her to see Lady Davina?” She asked.
“Yes.”
“Very well. I shall take responsibility.” She declared in a soft tone, but her words carried significant authority.
The guards immediately returned to their original positions, now content that I was allowed to enter. Kira walked towards the door, and with a gentle push the doors swung open. I was impressed at how easily she opened those heavy doors. I followed her up the long stairwell to the top of the tower.
“Thank you.” I said.
“Think nothing of it. Lady Davina was hoping to speak to you.”
“She was?”
“Quite so. She has a vested interest in you.” She looked over her shoulder at me with a smile. “You seem quite capable. I’m sure you shall live up to her expectations.”
“And if I don’t?”
She didn’t reply with words. She just smirked at me, as if she knew something. But it was apparent that she had no intention of telling me what it was. It took several minutes to climb the stairs. She escorted me to Davina, who was lounging on a pile of pillows, a goblet in one paw and a vine of grapes in the other. She looked up and smiled at me as we approached.
“I’ve been expecting you.” She smiled.
“Did you have a vision, or am I just that predictable?” I asked.
“I’ll let you decide that for yourself.” She smirked. “So, what do you want to know?”
“Don’t you already know?” I countered. She just met my gaze and continued to smirk at me. “Tell me about the mission. Where will I find the curi’nakra?”
“In the North Eastern region of the Tribal Lands.” She replied. “I cannot give you an exact location. But they are participating in the war currently being waged there.”
“Are they dragon or wolf?”
“I do not know that either.”
“Are you really an oracle?” I frowned, mildly frustrated at the lack of answers I was receiving from her.
“I can assure you that I am.” She chuckled. “But as I said, I see multiple futures. I have not yet seen the curi’nakra, something is hiding them from me. Likely the Demon Lord they have made a pact with has taken precautions and protected them from my gaze. But I have seen the destruction that will come if we do not stop them. From there I worked backwards through the events which occurred in the vast majority of the potential futures, following the thread, and traced them to one of the five settlements surrounding the Northern part of the Zangarian Mountain range.”
“They are in one of the settlements?”
“Yes, or at the very least are operating out of one of them.”
“So how exactly am I meant to find them? I doubt that they are going to be obvious about it.”
“That is down to you.” She smiled. “I have however arranged for a tool to aid with your search.”
Almost as if on cue I heard the door to the chamber open. I turned around to see Callen and Jan’Zar entering, followed by another individual I recognised from the meeting of the Guardian Deities. If memory served me right, he was Gallium; the Guardian Deity of Craftsmen. His current form was that of a drake with thick black scales. Scales that looks so thick that a spear would never pierce them! He rivalled Garr in size, but he wore simple leather and dirty cloth clothing; what you’d expect from a smithy.
“Excellent timing!” Davina smiled.
“Malakye? What are you doing here?” Callen asked.
“I came to ask Davina some questions.” I said. “What are you doing here?”
He didn’t reply, he just looked at Davina.
“So this is why you asked us to bring his equipment?” Callen asked her.
“What matters is that you are here.” She said with an amused tone.
So she had summoned them, knowing that I would be here when they’d arrive? I guess she was an oracle after all. I had only decided to come and speak to her a short time ago, there was no way for her to arrange this by coincidence; not if she asked them to bring the equipment for me.
“As promised, I have arranged a few tools for your journey.”
As if this scene had been rehearsed, Gallium stepped towards me, his heavy steps echoed throughout the chamber. He held out a sword to me as he approached. This close to him his scent reminded me of Zangar; more precisely the smithies and their forges. The scent of fire and steel. The scent clung to him like a heavy cloak. He had been at a forge recently. I bowed my head in thanks as I took the sword.
The first thing I noticed was the swords weight. It was perfect. Light enough that I could easily bear the blade in a single paw, but with a heft to it that gave me confidence in its quality. I didn’t need to pull the sword from its scabbard, perfectly polished to mirror like sheen, to know that this sword was of the highest quality. I pulled the blade from its prison, and just like the scabbard the blade itself was black, and was a one-sided blade with a slight curve. I had never used a sword like this before, but I had seen one of the var’tan use one similar in design. They had called it a katana. Just looking at it you could tell how strong the blade was. It would not break easily. Unusually it did not have a guard, a fact I found a little odd. The hilt itself was made of high-quality black leather, that criss-crossed over a red ribbon that trailed from the bottom of the hilt.
“It is beautiful.” I acknowledged.
“Thank you. This was crafted for you and you alone.” Gallium relied stoicly.
“You made this?”
“Of course!” He smiled. “Even here in Aaru there are few smiths who are capable of forging a weapon like this, let alone in such a short amount of time. And even they are incapable of applying runes to it.”
“Runes?” I looked at the blade once more. I could see nothing engraved on the perfectly smooth surface of the blade.
“They have been folded into the blade itself. They use the natural effects of the metal and enhance them.”
Suddenly I realised what the blade was made of. Gallium. The same metal named after the Deity of Craftsmen himself. A metal that allowed k’tan, and anyone capable of using nen, to channel and store their nen in the blade. Even in the mortal realm the metal itself was incredibly rare. Weapons that were relics of the ancient war, all of which had been crafted by Gallium himself during the great Demon War. My father carried the remains of such a weapon, but it had a gallium core rather than a blade made entirely of the metal itself.
“The blade will not only enhance your capability in battle, but you will be able to use it to help control the spirits power.” He explained. “So long as it has a sufficient supply of your kii, it will also repair minor damage it receives over time, and will remain as sharp as it is now.”
“That’s incredible!” I exclaimed. Looking at the blade with new found awe and respect.
“It is a weapon worthy of a Champion.” He said bluntly. “Do not misuse it!”
“I will not. I shall cherish it.”
“I had intended on making you a spear after hearing that it was your favoured weapon.” He rumbled. I looked at him curiously. “But Lady Davina was infuriatingly insistent on you have a sword such as this.”
I look from him to Davina. It was strange that she would be so specific about the weapon I was to receive. I was far more proficient with a spear than I was a sword. But I had received considerable training with swords as well, so I would be able to use it in a fight. I’m sure she had her reasons for such a request; she was an oracle after all.
“And so, we move on to the second tool at your disposal!” Davina said cheerfully, motioning towards Callen.
“With the authority of the council, I hereby confer upon you a title.” Callen declared in a tone I’d only heard him use when addressing a crowd. Whatever this was it was an official declaration. “The council has approved Lady Davina’s recommendation to bestow upon you the title of Daemon!”
Daemon!? That was the title held by legendary k’tan. Ones recognised by the Guardian Deities by their deeds during the Demon War! Their deeds had been immortalised in stories for centuries. Why was I being given such a title?!
“Why…”
“Don’t let it go to your head twerp!” Jan’Zar barked. “Davina’s recommendation only just managed to garner enough support from the council for you to be allowed to hold such a title! I don’t believe you are worthy of it! No matter who recommends otherwise!” She shot a glare towards Davina; one that held a great amount animosity behind it.
“I shall endeavour to not besmirch the honour of those that have held the title before me.” I replied.
“Other than the original k’tan, only four other furs have held that title! You do not understand its significance.” Jan’Zar growled.
“Jan.” Callen sighed. Jan’Zar huffed at him but it seemed it was enough to cease her angry tirade.
“And now for your third and final tool.” Davina said, obviously in an attempt to change the subject. “A knife given to all Daemon, crafted from what your kind called a perception stone.”
A perception stone was a tool used to read the affinity of the k’tan who channelled their nen through it. A useful tool in helping to train young Zangarian k’tan. But how would such a thing help me discover the identity of the curi’nakra? Gallium offered a sheathed knife in his outstretched paw. I bowed my head in thanks and took the knife. I pulled the blade free and examined it. It looked like it was made from glass. A moment later a faint white light flicked from within the blade itself.
“The blade is made from a purified perception stone.” Gallium explained. “It will react to the nature of the one who holds it, without the need of them being able to channel their kii into it. When the blade turns blood red, the one holding it has been corrupted by demonic power. If it turns black, then you will know the identity of the curi’nakra.”
“That will be useful. Thank you.” I bowed my head once more to him.
“With these tools at your disposal your chances of success are improved dramatically. However, it is down to you to decide how you use them!” Davina declared.
“I shall do my upmost to ensure that I succeed and that I live up to the trust you have given me!” I declared confidently.
“You shall depart tomorrow. I recommend that you complete any preparations you need for your journey before then.”
“I shall help you.” Callen offered. I nodded my head to him in thanks.
I knew he was wanting to spend some time with me before my departure. I still could not reciprocate his feelings, but that did not mean I did not understand them. Allowing him to help me was as much a kindness to him as his offer of help was to me.
After leaving the tower Jan’Zar stormed off by herself. Gallium excused himself, leaving Callen and I by ourselves. With his help I gathered enough supplies for a few days’ worth of food. I had asked him about some armour, but he had to decline my request, even though I could see he wanted to give it to me. It was apparently one of Davina’s requests that I was not given any armour to take with me on my journey, nor any coin to be able to acquire any. I was allowed to use armour if I was able to procure it otherwise.
There was no conceivable reason why I was not allowed even basic leather armour. But this was Davina’s request, and often times oracles did things for unfathomable reasons that more often than not remained a mystery. I was given a hooded travel cloak, standard issue for Rukan’dokra that departed on missions. It was light and effective against the rain, but not particularly warm, but that was not really an issue for me; I was able to use my fire bending to regulate my body temperature so that cold weather was not an issue.
After we had finished our preparations Callen asked if I wanted to go for a walk. I didn’t mind, but he seemed to want it, so I entertained his suggestion and we began walking around the temple grounds. It was strange, not feeling the emotions I remembered feeling in his presence. It almost made me question if they were really my feelings at all, or if they had belonged to someone else. Looking at him I could see how someone could be attracted to him, but I felt no such attraction in this moment.
We eventually came to the Eastern Gardens. An area filled with trees and flowers, and was a popular place for furs to come and lose themselves in their own thoughts. I had spent some time here myself and got lost in my own thoughts, trying to work things out when I felt overwhelmed. As we rounded a corner Callen suddenly pushed me against a tree and pressed his muzzle to my own.
After a few moments he slowly pulled away. The kiss had been intense and lustful on his part. I had just stood there and accepted it, hoping that it would sate him; knowing that it wouldn’t. He looked me in the eyes with a pained, longing expression.
“I’m sorry.” I said.
“No… I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I shouldn’t have…” He stepped back, his ears flat to his head, and his gaze looking everywhere except at me. He eventually looked me in the eye and asked, “Do you really not feeling anything?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I remember the feelings I used to feel, like echoes, but even those fade.”
“I see.” He whimpered.
I was not used seeing him so vulnerable. Did my current state truly upset him so much? Even when we were alone, where he would openly show his emotions to me, I had never seen him like this. There was a part of me, deep down, that desired to comfort him. But it was not a strong enough feeling to act upon.
“This is not permanent.” I reminded him.
“I know. It doesn’t make it any easier.” He forced a smile. “You are leaving on a dangerous mission, one where you could die.”
“I’m not going to die easily!” I declared. “I have been thoroughly trained!”
“I know that.”
“I will complete my mission and return.”
“I know that.”
“Then why are you so worried?”
“BECAUSE!” He exploded, catching himself. “Because I don’t know what I’d do if I did lose you! The thought of this being the last time we speak to each other…”
“It’s not the memory you want if it’s the last time?”
“Yes. I know it sounds selfish!” He admitted. “But you must understand, I have cared about many mortals, for many different reasons, but time is a cruel mistress.”
“Because we die and you don’t.” I understood.
“Yes. And I don’t want my last memory of you being like this.”
I stood and thought about what I could do to help him. If I could feel emotions as I once had I knew I’d be able to console him; but that was the problem wasn’t it? Now, in my current state I was second guessing each and every idea I had. But there was perhaps one thing I could do for him.
“I will spend the night with you.” I stated.
“You will?”
“Yes. We can make love as well.”
“Is that because you want to, or because you think it will make me feel better?” He asked. I wasn’t sure if I should lie or tell the truth. I had no desire to sleep with him. Sex seemed entirely unappealing even though I knew how pleasurable it could be. I took too long to reply, and he seemed to realise this for himself. “I see. Thank you for the offer. But if you don’t want to do it, I don’t want to either.”
“Sorry.” I apologised.
“But if you would, I would appreciate sleeping next to you one last time.”
“Until I return.” I reminded him.
“Until you return.” He smiled.
“With my emotions returned.” I pointed out.
“Hopefully.” He smiled a little more. “But even if they haven’t returned by then, I will be happy to see you return back to us, safe and sound.” He leaned in a gave me a gentle kiss on my brow.
“I will return safely.”
“I’m going to hold you to that!” He smiled. He was obviously feeling better now. “Well then, why don’t we go get washed up for dinner? The Priests are preparing a special meal in honour of your departure.”
“Are we going to be having meat?” I asked curiously.
“Yes.”
“Goku will be happy.” I said, remembering Goku’s pleasure on the rare occasion the acolytes meals included meat.
“HA!” Callen laughed heartily. “Yes, I’m sure he will be.”
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I_Love_Critique
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
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