Satya's Lullaby

Chapter Three: No More Pain

~ o ~

Four Days Later

"Is everything in place for our arrival?"

"Yes."

"You continue to uphold your end of the bargain...and as we've agreed, you will continue to live in this plane."

"...As you command."

I bowed down towards the portal that showed the very same demon that cursed me all those years ago.

"Excellent...once the full moon arrives tonight, the feast shall begin...though you were a little late this time."

Immediately, I felt absolutely excruciating pain shoot through every muscle in my body. I cried out in agony and fell to the ground, unable to move my legs or my arms. The pain was so intense, I started shedding tears mere seconds after it began. After roughly a minute of this...the pain finally stopped.

"That will teach you never to keep us waiting again...I don't think I need to remind you of the consequences if you do."

The portal closed as I tried my best to get to my feet.

"My lady!"

I turned around to see that Minda had come into the room, against my wishes. Though I felt angered at her disobeying my command, I understood why; I cried out so loudly, it was likely that all of my servants heard me.

"I...told you to wait outside..."

"You have to stop this! Those things are going to return again and who knows what the casualties will be like this time!"

I shook my head as I allowed her to help me to my feet.

"It must be done...I don't think you want me to cease my existence and something even worse emerges from my downfall now do you?" I asked.

The girl shook her head as she sat next to me.

"...Are you alright?" she asked.

I sighed softly before nodding.

"This is nothing I haven't experienced before. I am fine." I replied.

She shook her head and sighed deeply.

"...Why did you react the way you did to Lucio's concern?"

I rolled my eyes before cutting her off.

"We are not talking about this now Minda. Now leave me to my thoughts." I said.

The girl stubbornly shook her head and as if on cue, all of my other servants came into the room with the same concerned looks on their faces.

"You were...so happy when he was here." said Minda.

Each of them sat in front of me, gazing at my pained expression.

"His music helped you to cope with all of the pain you've been experiencing because of this stupid curse...why didn't you let him stay and-"

"Because I'm not a damsel in distress. I can take care of myself."

I saw Jina get to her feet before shaking her head.

"You've been trying to rid yourself of this curse for centuries mistress...and nothing has worked. However...the bard's music was the only thing that I've ever seen affect the amount of pain you're in. I can only assume that it would've been promising to keep him around."

The rest of them nodded in agreement. Minda then laid a hand on mine, something she's never done before in all of the time she's faithfully served me.

"...You gave us all a second chance at life. Though you had a hand in the destruction of each of our home villages...all this time here has taught me that you didn't do it because you wanted to. You did it to prevent an even greater evil from destroying everything...you're not an evil person at heart my lady. We all want what's best for you...and this has to stop."

I gritted my teeth, doing my best to keep my emotions in check...but these girls were the closest thing I had to a family. I lost my family over 1000 years ago...along with my promising life as a mystic for my village. I was supposed to be no different than the very girls in front of me...but fate dealt me a hand of cards I couldn't do anything with. And now...I was about to do the same thing I've done countless times.

Only this time, my servants tried to show me the light. Every other time, they've allowed me to do everything I did without question.

"...It's because of the bard...he left a bigger impression than I ever thought possible."

I closed my eyes before shaking my head.

"You already know the problem with that...I cannot seek aid directly. The curse prevents me from doing so. It is a miracle that the bard was able to learn as much as he did on his own."

I then turned to Minda.

"...I'm not worthy of being blessed by Vishkar. I've done too many horrible things to ever deserve his grace...now get everything together for tonight. We're leaving once the demons return to their realm."

"Where are we going my lady?" asked Jina.

I sighed softly.

"Far north. After this village, they won't require anything for a few months...perhaps there we can find somewhere to be where less innocents will perish."

Before any of my servants could utter another word, I snapped my fingers, whisking them off to different parts of the castle. I then turned back to my end table...and noticed that something was there.

"...His songs are still here...he didn't take them back with him..."

I had read these papers several times during his stay and I had memorized the lyrics of all of the songs...but I then noticed one that was half finished. I then gasped.

"...This...this was the song he was trying to write..."

I drew in another deep breath before igniting the papers, shaking the growing emotions from my mind.

"There's no saving me. I'm condemned to live my life like this and there's nothing anyone can do to help me...I'm all alone..."

Late That Night- The Portal To The Demon Realm, Just Outside The Village

~ o ~

"The full moon is almost here...it has been a while since we've seen a village this populated...this night will be fun."

I sighed deeply as I continued to chant the spell to open the portal and once I finished, all that was left was for the moon to shine fully on the stone gateway. Once that occurs...the portal would be open for the demons to come and claim their prize. I turned to the portal and nodded.

"It is done...it will open once the moon shines upon the gateway."

"Such an obedient servant. Perhaps we will wait a little longer until the next attack as a reward."

I felt my stomach churn at the sound of the Infernal's voice.

"My lady! Can you hear me?!"

Hearing Minda's distressed voice snapped me from my thoughts as I immediately put my hand to my locket.

"Minda? What's wrong?"

"It's the army! They've found the castle! They enlisted the help of the court mages to dispel your cloaking magic! They're coming towards the castle!"

I cursed under my breath as I nodded.

"I will be there shortly. Do not go outside and keep your sisters inside. Do you understand me?" I said firmly.

"Yes my lady. I will. Please hurry!"

I immediately channeled a teleportation spell, opening a portal to reach my castle as I turned to the gateway.

"I am no longer needed here. You will be free to do as you wish. You will only have two hours before the gateway forces all of you back to the realm." I said.

"That is more than enough time. You have done well...we shall be in touch."

I stepped through the portal, arriving to the front door of the castle in a few seconds. All of my servants were standing near the door.

"Where are the soldiers?" I asked.

"They will be here within the hour. They have mages who can teleport them to the door." replied Jina.

I then looked around frantically, noticing that I was wrong before; Minda was not here.

"Where is Minda?" I shouted.

They shook their heads, clearly having no clue where the girl went. I placed my hand back on my locket...only to feel no presence on the other side.

"...She removed her locket...no...what has she done?!"

I turned to my servants.

"Fortify the doors with magic. I'm going to gather power to teleport the castle somewhere else." I instructed.

They nodded and immediately began to chant spells of their own as I made my way towards a room I haven't entered in centuries...The Fountain Of Power.

Meanwhile- Lucio's Home

"They're...they're coming...I went to the village to help some of the people I became friends with escape...but I've been cornered. They know who my mistress is..."

I cursed under my breath as I scrambled to my feet, holding the pocket watch close to my mouth.

"Where is The Summoner now?"

"She's likely at the castle...they took my locket away so she cannot find me. The only reason I can talk to you is because the pocket watch you have is linked to all of us."

I immediately packed my bag, ensuring that I had the spellbook as well as my enchanted lute.

"Can you bring me to where you are Minda?" I asked.

She took a deep breath and continued to pant. Clearly, she struggled enough against the soldiers to tire herself out.

"...I can try. But I'm exhausted..."

"You can do it. I believe in you."

I closed my eyes and waited and surely enough, I felt the pull of magic envelop my body. In a few more seconds, I suddenly found myself in the very same inn I was staying at previously. However...I found Minda lying on the ground. I quickly ran to her side, leaning her head into my lap as I tried to wake her up.

"Minda! Minda are you okay!" I cried.

She slowly opened her eyes and nodded.

"...I'm nearly out of magic...I won't be able to bring us to the castle from here...we have to get closer." she panted.

I nodded before lifting her over my shoulder.

"I just need to catch my breath...I have a horse at the stable...but I don't know how we'll be able to get there considering they have me under guard."

I smiled and winked at her.

"Leave that to me...think you have enough juice to do that shapeshifting trick?" I asked.

She looked at me questioningly.

"Why?" she asked.

I laughed softly before showing her my bag.

"I've got a plan. Don't mind playing a bit of dress up do you?"

~ o ~

"How large is the army that's now assaulting the castle?"

"A few hundred if I'm not mistaken. They have at least a dozen mages so it's only a matter of time before they all make it to the castle's door."

The soldiers adjusted their helmets as they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. They turned...only to see Lucio with a hooded figure next to him. They immediately reached for their swords.

"State your business bard."

"Just taking my little sister home. Is something going on?" asked Lucio.

The men immediately approached him before raising the hood...only to see a girl. She bore a striking resemblance to the bard, wearing a similar tunic to his. The guards let go of their weapons before nodding.

"The army has finally found the dreaded Summoner. The one who's been causing trouble throughout the ages." said one of the soldiers.

Lucio raised an eyebrow.

"Are there still horses at the stable?" he asked.

"Yes. I advise that you evacuate quickly; we fully expect the Summoner to fight back and things...could get very ugly."

"Thanks fellas. You take care of yourselves now." replied Lucio.

The soldiers gave the bard a smile as he walked out with his "sister" by his shoulder. As soon as they were out of earshot, Lucio looked down to her.

"We should be alright now."

"...I can't believe they fell for it. I thought they would've left at least one of the mages behind to be able to sense my magic..."

The duo quickly arrived at the stables and surely enough, Minda's horse was still tied to the post. After freeing the mare, Lucio climbed on top before helping Minda up as well. She clung to his stomach.

"Ride towards the lake...you'll know you've arrived when you see the army...follow the red fireflies and they will guide you to the portal location..." she panted.

"Got it. Let's go."


A Short While Later- The Fountain Of Power

"I haven't had to come here...in centuries. Things have never been this dire."

I discarded my robe, leaving me topless as I made my way into the large pool of water. I had created this room in the event that anything were to happen where my power alone would not be enough. In order to move the entire castle without having to chant a long spell, the Fountain Of Power allowed me to channel more than enough magic to allow me to skip the incantations.

However...it would take me time to draw on the power. And in my current state...I was tired. I had no idea what kind of repercussions drawing on this much magic when my body wasn't in its prime would have. Nevertheless...I couldn't afford to have all of this come to an end, especially for my servants who still had their own lives to live.

...Wait. Why was I suddenly concerned again?...

What was this warm feeling suddenly beginning to make its way into my heart? Why was this happening now...and not at any point prior? My thoughts then drifted towards...the man I drove away a few days ago.

"...It's that annoying bard...even now, he's left an impression on me…"

I shook the thoughts from my head as I gazed into the water and began to channel.

"Grant me the power to escape my enemies. Give me the strength to show them why I am the feared Summoner Of Flames!"

The water began to swell with arcane energy, glowing an aqua green that illuminated the otherwise dark room. I could already feel the magic pouring into my body...but I wasn't withstanding it as well as I normally could. For some reason...there was doubt within my mind.

"...What's going on? Why...why am I finding difficulty with this?"

I felt fear begin to creep within my heart...something that I haven't felt in over 900 years. I began to back away from the water, now realizing that the sheer amount of magic could overwhelm and destroy me from the inside out.

"No...this can't be. This can't be happening..."

Suddenly, the doors behind me flew open and much to my astonishment, it was the last person I ever expected to see again.

"Remember me?"

His voice...somehow managed to help me calm down slightly. Hearing it now made me realize how much I missed hearing him sing...and hearing him entertain my servants. I shook my head vigorously; I couldn't fathom the reason why I was suddenly beginning to feel all of these emotions assaulting my mind.

"What are you doing here bard?" I scolded.

He shook his head before brandishing a lute...but I couldn't believe which lute it was.

"...Minda...Minda gave it to him...that's where it went..."

I was the one who enchanted that very instrument he was holding...and the glowing runes on his lute could only mean one thing…

"...He...he's found the answer..."

The fact that the runes were now visible...it meant that Vishkar's power was now present. It was so potent, that even now...it was washing away the ice around my heart.

"That must be why...why I'm afraid…"

~ o ~

I made my way towards her, my lute in hand and my mind focused on stopping everything from getting worse. After seeing the massive army that was waiting just below the floating castle, I knew I had to act quickly in order to fix all of this. I noticed that she was topless...and for a brief moment, I paused to admire her. Even though she still had the skin of a dragon...my heart skipped a beat.

"Focus Lucio...FOCUS!"

I shook my senses back to the task at hand. The fact that Minda collapsed outside and everyone in the castle was now depending on the Summoner and I, I needed to act fast.

"Though I'm still not happy with the way things went between us...I still want to help you." I said.

The Summoner shook her head vigorously.

"You have no idea what kind of danger you're in by being here bard. Leave while you still-"
"Shut up and let me help you."

I wasn't about to deal with her irritating, independent attitude. She didn't seem to understand that everyone here wanted to see her safe and that I was the only person alive who could save her from her own destruction.

"I know everything that's happened; Minda gave me a pocket watch that allowed me to keep an eye on you."

She gasped before reaching for a locket around her neck.

"She linked the watch to this?!...she must've been listening in the few lessons I gave her on how to enchant things." she said with a gasp.
"That along with this lute. I already read everything about the Grace Of Vishkar. I know what I have to do." I continued.

She shook her head and sighed deeply.

"Little bard...you haven't the slightest idea how many have tried the very same thing. None of them have successfully been able to acquire Vishkar's favor. He is not a god who meddles in the mortal world haphazardly." she explained.

I raised an eyebrow, now noticing that she looked even more irritated.

"Do you think that you're the first attempt at a cure that I've tried? Do you know how many methods I've gone through? How many different spells and incantations I've used to no avail?"

She growled in anger and I could feel a subtle heat begin to fill the air. Clearly, her magic was being affected by her emotional state.

"I've been alive for over 1000 years...you're not by any means the first...if mages who have unimaginable power cannot help me, what makes you think you can? You will fail just as the rest of them have." she said.

The icy tone in her voice sent a shiver down my spine...but I wasn't about to be intimidated after coming this far. Now...was the time to act.

"You're right. I'm not the first man to have tried."

I approached her, not caring in the slightest about the sudden streams of red magic that suddenly appeared around her.

"But I will be the man to succeed."

She tried to drive me away with barriers, but I knew the kind of magic she was using. I had read about it during all of the time I was here at the castle. I raised my lute and held it in front of me. Just as I read, the lute dispelled all of the barriers she tried to erect until finally, I was only two feet in front of her. She looked almost completely helpless as she shut her eyes tightly and began to scream.

"GET OUT OF HERE MORTAL. I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP. I CAN TAKE-"

"When was the last time you've slept?"

My sudden question appeared to have taken her by surprise.

"W-W-What?" she asked.
"When was the last time you've slept throughout a night?"

She looked down at the water and much to my astonishment, she was shedding tears.

"...Not since I was human…"

The look in her eyes was almost heart-breaking to observe. They depicted a level of agony and torment that I had never seen in a person before. She was practically begging me to put her out of her misery...or to make the pain stop. She immediately collapsed to her knees, the water hiding most of her lower body from view.

"...I...I don't want to do this anymore...I want to be free...I...I'm not a-"

"Shh...I understand. It's okay… I don't blame you for being the way you are."

She looked up at me, genuinely surprised at my words.

"It really wasn't in my place to try and tell you what you should be...because in the end we all have a choice to decide our future. You did your best with what you were dealt and no one can say otherwise… now, I'm going to free you. So you can truly make your own choice."

I then held the lute out towards her.

"Touch it. I read that it has cleansing properties even in this state...maybe it can help ease some of the pain." I requested.

She gingerly reached out and touched it. The glowing light that surrounded the instrument soon began to envelop her. At first, her eyes shot open and she groaned in pain...but after a short while, she looked at me as if she had an epiphany.

"The instrument...it...it revealed some of my memories...I now remember my name." she whispered.

"And what is it?" I asked.

She looked away, clearly embarrassed.

"It's...it's Satya."

I smiled before nodding and holding her hand. She turned back to me, still clearly shocked that I had forgiven her for what she did to me several days ago

"That's a beautiful name...and now I know what I'm going to name my song. That's the only thing I had left to do with it."

I smiled and nodded.

"The name of this song...is Satya's Lullaby."

I had given a tremendous amount of thought towards the way I felt about this woman...the three weeks I spent here gave me tremendous insight on what kind of person she was. Someone who chose to take care of seven orphaned girls, as well as someone who seeks to end conflicts in as painless of a way as possible couldn't be evil to the core. The curse had clearly had a profound effect on her dark side. Her anger, her rage, her disgust...all of it was magnified a thousand fold.

She wasn't evil. She's just torn in between two worlds.

And now was my chance to free her from it. I thought about doing this just to stop the village from being destroyed...but after Minda told me that she was in danger, it was a no brainer that I would do anything I could to save her from becoming the Infernal's vessel...which was a fate far worse than death…

That was also the moment I knew that I was now doing this for more than just the cause. It was sort of surreal now that I thought about it. I didn't imagine for a moment that I would've found inspiration...from someone that was supposed to be a myth.

Guess the old saying really is true then…

"A muse can come from anything...and anyone."

I genuinely wanted to see Satya with a smile on her face. Not a sadistic or cruel one...but a genuine one where she could finally be at ease.

I brought the lute back to my body and began to play the song. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to get lost in the music as my hand seemed to play the notes as if it had a mind of its own. I was no longer nervous about messing up, I was focused because I knew what the stakes were...but more than anything else.

I wanted to free her from her torment.

I didn't open my eyes to see how she was reacting to the music, but I could hear her softly begin to hum the song. The song was three minutes of original chords I had come up with over the past few months...and I didn't imagine for a second that I would have finished it for a reason like this.

To free someone's soul. And not just any random person...but the Summoner Of Flames. But what's more…

"I didn't think I'd ever end up caring so much about someone like her…"

As I approached the end of the song, I opened my eyes to see that Satya...had slumped back into the water and was now floating on her back, her face completely motionless. After completing the song, I immediately rushed to her side before putting my ear to her chest. I gasped.

"...She's not breathing...no…"

I tried to put my hands around her but I was stopped immediately by the sound of the castle doors being broken down. It was only mere moments before the army would be upon us...and it would be only a few minutes after that until the moon shone on the stone gateway. I cursed under my breath as I quickly got out of the water and shut the large doors to the room. Once I locked it, I placed my lute down before running back into the water. I tried to touch her...but the moment I got close, I was halted by the presence...of a bright aura. The aura was visible and solid, preventing my hand from reaching her.

Much to my amazement, I noticed that Satya's skin was beginning to turn brown, the dragon scales disappearing from her body. The light then became extremely bright, to the point where I had to cover my eyes and back away. It took several seconds...and those were the most nerve-wracking seconds I had ever experienced.

"SHE'S IN THERE! BREAK THE DOOR DOWN!"

"NO! THEY FOUND US!"

I knew there was nothing I could do to stop the soldiers and the mages...but it didn't stop me from trying. I stood in front of the door as it was knocked open by a battering ram. Five soldiers entered the room along with two mages. The soldiers immediately grabbed ahold of me, putting vicegrips on my arms and preventing me from moving.

"You conspire with this evil creature? How could you betray humanity like that?" scolded one of the mages.

"Because she is a human."

The light shone even brighter as I immediately stomped hard on one of the soldier's feet, causing him to release me from his grip. I then immediately ran towards the water, ensuring I was squinting to prevent the light from completely blinding me.

I had to buy her more time...because the mages would show her absolutely no mercy for all the wrong she's down across eras. Before I could get any closer, a sudden gust of wind blew me to the ground and judging from the clang of armor, it did the same for the soldiers as well. Several shouts behind me indicated that something was happening to them and by the time I turned around, all of them had disappeared.

I heard...an ethereal voice.

"You've done well little bard. You've become the first mortal in thousands of years to have earned my attention. I saw and felt your feelings towards this woman...and now, I have come to grant you what you seek."

I couldn't open my eyes; the light had gotten even brighter and I knew that if I opened them, I'd blind myself.

"It has come to my attention that a portal to the demon realm has also been opened. I will handle this myself...but now comes the part you must play."
"What do you mean?"

"Though my blessing will cure her of the curse, she is someone who exists far beyond her era. I cannot undo the magic that stops her aging...so she shall will remain immortal."
"And what do you need me to do?"
"As the bearer of the instrument, you are the only one in existence who can call upon my blessing. Demons will always seek to acquire mages...in exchange for saving her, you must understand that you will have to remain in this world to prevent disasters like this from happening any longer."
"...Does that mean-"
"You have become my vessel little bard...or shall I call you Lucio?"

I smiled before nodding.

"I'll do my best."
"I know you will. Now...I will take the castle to somewhere safe. Tell your friend that she no longer has to worry about the Infernal's Ultimatum. She is now free to do as she wishes with her endless life."

I then felt an overwhelming comfort take over my body...and it wasn't long before everything went black…

Some Time Later

"Oh man...what happened…"

I got to my feet and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, only to see that there was still a bright light in the middle of the fountain. However...it began to fade. I still had to shield my eyes from it...but the light inched closer to me until it was no longer floating above the water. It then landed in front of me and it soon faded dimly enough for me to look without squinting. I then felt tremendous heat reach my cheeks as I saw what it revealed.

"She… she's beautiful…"

Light chocolate, flawless skin replaced all of the dragon scales that were present previously. Her head had changed from from draconic tendrils...into long, onyx hair that reached just above her rear. She still had no top on… and the gauntlet on her left arm was now far less pronounced than it was before, when previously it became essentially the entire arm. Evidently, the curse had caused the dragon scales to merge with it, which explained why that arm was thicker than her right one. But there was just something about her face… something I really liked.

Satya was a beautiful woman indeed. She opened her eyes, before smiling at me.

"...You saved me." she whispered.
"I guess I did." I replied with a soft laugh.

She then moved forward as if to thank me, only to suddenly freeze in her step. She then blushed profusely before sending a jet of water into my face.

"How could you be such a pig!" she cried.

"I-I-I didn't look. I swear!"

She squirmed almost childishly and in response, I removed my coat before placing it around her shoulders when she turned away. She calmed down considerably before looking back at me, with an almost mesmerized look in her eyes.

"Th...Thank you…" she whispered.

"No problem."

For some reason...I couldn't get over how immaculate her face looked. Maybe it was because even in her transformed state, she always took great care of herself. She always had to have the perfect look and the perfect plan for everything...and maybe that part of her was still here, even with the curse gone. For some reason, my hand reached her cheek and I felt an irresistible urge to get closer to her. She evidently felt the same as her blush deepened but her eyes began to narrow.

"...Is...Is this…what Vishkar meant about my feelings?..."

I inched closer and closer...until I heard several voices.

"My lady! You saved us!"

I reluctantly broke away from Satya, her eyes still focused on me as I nodded with a smile.

"I think they deserve to see their true mistress...don't you?" I asked.

She cleared her throat before nodding.

"...Thank you for everything Lucio...I truly mean it." she said.

I nodded and reached for my lute.

"Happy to be of service...my lady." I said taking a bow.

She looked at me before rolling her eyes...but she smiled upon seeing me give her a playful wink.

"We'll talk a little later...right now, there are some things I must attend to."

Later That Night- Satya's Chambers

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. It won't take up much of your time."

Lucio raised an eyebrow as Satya turned to face him. She was holding a bag.

"I wanted to properly thank you for all you've done… despite how coldly I treated you."

She approached him and handed him the bag.

"In this bag lies all of the books you were reading while you were here. I also gave you a generous stipend from the treasury room… and finally, I added a little something to the pocket watch that Minda gave you." she explained.

She blushed slightly but managed to keep her cool.

"Now… whenever you want to speak to me, you can do so with the watch… just say my name while it is open and it will link you to me. Then we can talk any time." she said.

The bard raised his eyebrow again.

"I know you must be busy… so I just thought I'd give you a small token of my appreciation before you return home."

She sighed softly before turning away.

"What will you do?" he asked.

"I have over a thousand years worth of sins to atone for… I'll start by helping those in need in whatever way I can. Perhaps I could create orphanages so that no other child will ever suffer the same fate as my servants… or should I say my friends did."

Lucio smiled to himself; her warmer side was coming out.

"What about for your own life? Are you going to go back into the world?" he asked.

She put a hand to her chin and shook her head.

"I haven't given that much thought. I think I'm just going to help discreetly for a while. At least until my former self's legend dies down." she replied.

Lucio accepted the bag from her as she turned to the window next to them.

"...For the first time, the moon means more than just something I can look at for hours...now, I can actually know what it's like to dream again."

She shook herself from her thoughts before turning back to Lucio.

"Here I am ranting on. Shouldn't you be going? I'm sure you have things to attend to."

Much to her surprise, the bard placed the bag in the couch next to him before shaking his head.

"If it's alright with you my lady… I'll stay right here."

Her face turned to that of a tomato's as the bard offered her a bright smile.

"But...but why? I thought you bards wanted your freedom? You weren't exactly the latter when you were here." she argued.

Lucio shook his head and laughed softly.

"Don't you think I should get to choose my own path? I want this of my own free will."

He then looked around the room.

"I guess this place grew on me more than I thought… and it doesn't help that… well…"

He laughed nervously before approaching her and holding both of her hands.

"...I think I understand what the book meant when it said that my reasoning had to be pure and noble… at first, I thought wanting to stop terrible things from happening would be it… but then I saw you in danger. I saw you in pain."

He took another deep breath, desperately trying to keep his racing heart from jumping through his chest cavity.

"In that moment, I knew that I was no longer doing this for the greater good… to stop demons from coming in and taking more lives… No. As selfish as this sounds, I did it for you."

He kissed her hand before looking at her.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is… I think I might have feelings for you my lady." he said.

He turned away.

"I'll stay… but only if it's alright with-"
"Be quiet."

He flinched upon hearing her words and she looked into his eyes, evidently irritated.

"Was it-"
"I said be quiet."

Before the bard could make another move, Satya immediately grabbed hold of his cheeks and planted her lips onto his. It was by no means a perfect contact. In fact, it was rather sloppy and awkward given their height difference...but Lucio found himself kissing back. He corrected the positioning of their lips, but made no move to put his hands anywhere as he knew that it was likely that she wouldn't react well.

After several seconds, she moved away before letting out a heavy breath.

"...I would like you to stay…" she croaked.

The bard smiled before placing his forehead against hers.

"As you command."
"But...I don't want you to stay here as my servant...and I would like it very much if you stopped referring to me as my lady." she said

He raised his eyebrow.

"Then what should I call you?"
"Satya. You may call me Satya." she replied.

The subtle smile on her face warmed his heart as he nodded before kissing her again. She froze for a moment, but he quickly broke away and nodded.

"Satya it is then."