Chapter 5: Face To Face

Was this truly the right thing to do? Unease welled in Seraphina's heart. It only grew as she gazed upon the location Dusk detailed for their meet up. For their date. A pit formed in her throat, impossible to swallow. Why? Why am I even standing in this line? She searched for whatever logical answers led to the circumstances she now faced. But there were none. There was only emotion.

It's not as though Sera was unfamiliar with World's Peak. This high class restaurant that only the wealthiest could afford. Those of high status, like Sorrell, often made this a meeting place, though he seemed to prefer the Cat's Eye. Something about how repulsive the souls of those that dined were. How he had never before seen so many clad in riches and jewelry starved themselves on glorified morsels.

Be that as it may, World's Peak was only the finest. With a reputation of splendor and divinity; even the name, not only a geographical truth, but a testament to the pride of those at the top of the world. Though no bigger than any other similar establishment, the sheer quality of the building itself was impeccable. Almost like porcelain, it stood out like a diamond. Yet few glass walls and windows to speak of. It made sense. Those that wanted to flaunt their status did so with a view to the outside, where others may peer in and burn with envy. But privacy was welcome to those who craved it. She wondered which Dusk favored. He seemed like a stranger ever since the fight.

Inside, she could see fantastic figures of marble, art of glass and mirror and silver. And in the air hung a faint sound of music. It was beautiful and intoxicating; the kind that could will anyone into dancing. But this was no ballroom or grand hall at a mansion. Even so, she could imagine some aristocrats paying special for such parties to take place.

Despite her orphan nature and lack of proper upbringing, this was her world. Not one of beauty or might and superiority. No, the world beyond that veil of glass was a twisted one. One of vanity, of selfishness, of arrogance. So many that felt they were blessed by whatever gods may reign over this cruel world. Those that believe themselves to be special. It was Dusk who truly didn't belong.

She decided to push such thoughts away. This was a mission, no different than any other. Her objective was clear. Just the method and instructions that begged clarity. Either way, a battle uniform fitting such a quest must be adorned. Seraphina decided upon a fine, six button coat that was soft to the touch, and red as wine. It overlapped, but did not hide, the dark frills of her dress beneath.

She dared not bring her weapons. Even so, she was far from defenseless. A sharp mind is all the tool she needs to be protected. Many men and a few, intrepid women, have fallen to her guile before. And it was now that unease crept in again. This was no ordinary situation. Even Henry Marigold was a case as basic as it gets, and she failed to follow through.

There was no longer any time to dwell upon it. The line advanced, and she was ushered into the warm lobby. The psychic bit her lip as she searched the tables. No, there were far too many eye catching individuals. Dusk was meek and humble, a rarity for his breed. It would be better to search through telepathy. It would only take a-

"Excuse me, madam," the woman at reception said, cutting through her thoughts. Sera turned her head, and the receptionist smiled. "Welcome to the World's Peak. I trust you have a reservation?"

"Oh, of course." Sera answered with a confident smile. No, silly girl, a confident smile isn't enough. It must be proud, with a touch of smug. She fixed her expression after her internal monologue. "My consort must have arrived long before me. A Mr. Soleil?"

"Yes, of course. We've been expecting you, Miss Aveerus. Your partner has already been seated. Right this way." Without another word, the receptionist was off, her heels clacking against the ivory tiling. Seraphina freed herself of her coat, already feeling the lustful eyes of the men behind her as her bare shoulders came to light. Wrapping her coat in her arms, she followed.

She was rather proud of this choice of outfit. It was a short, strapless dress, best to convey her pride with her figure, yet it compensated for her humble appendages. Black as night, with beads in lace looping around where the top melded with the skirt. Shining, to better catch the light. Seraphina had other, more alluring apparel to bring for such occasions, but Dusk wasn't a target to sway. She must keep her appearance humble and pure. Everything he believed her to be.

And there he sat, the very image of patience. In full suit, black upon black, with a deep violet tie. He showed no sign of tedium in the slightest; his position was neither slouching nor strained. Once again, just like with back at the stadium, Dusk seemed a different man entirely. His noble, fuchsia eyes shined upon noticing her arrival, and his mouth curved into an innocent smile.

So far, everything about him had been the opposite of all other encounters with aristocracy. There was no sensation or air of smugness about him. Nothing false, nothing deceitful. Dusk was genuine. The pit in Seraphina's throat gave, and she was finally able to swallow nervously. Dusk made no indication at all of her lack of smile, even as she sat down.

Instead, he reached his hand over hers, gripping it with such gentleness it made the pit in her throat find passage to her stomach. "I'm glad you arrived. You look beautiful."

She reached her free hand back to push away her hair, feigning a coy smile. "You're more dashing than usual, Mr. Soleil."

"No, no, no." She shuddered for a moment, wondering what his next words might be. Have I failed already? "No mister, or sir, or any kind of formality. I don't..." She heard him sucking air between his teeth. "I want us to be on equal standing."

It wasn't the worst thing in the world for her to hear right now. Rather, Dusk made the topic she wanted to discuss as direct as possible. She gave a sigh before answering. "Then there's more you need to know about me."

Dusk beamed. "I couldn't agree more. Thinking on it now... I know so little about you."

"That's a good thing."

Her response made him frown. "I'll be frank, Sera. I want to know everything there is to know about you. All that there is behind Seraphina Aveerus."

The psychic unconsciously distanced herself. Her arms folded together, as if shielding her from confrontation. She couldn't look him in the eye. "The truth is hardly ever pure."

The soldier gave her a warm smile. "That's for me to discern."

"How can you be so sure that you'll like what you'll hear?"

"Isn't that what love is?" Love. That word made her shudder once more. Disgust welled up from within. It wasn't the idea that repelled her; it was her involvement that did. "Someone to accept and be accepted by. No matter the circumstances."

She didn't respond. Only averted her gaze. This is painful. But not as painful as it will be to him. A waiter arrived, to whom she paid no mind. The psychic heard Dusk order an appetizer, explaining they needed more time deciding. That statement alone defined her situation with such uncanny accuracy.

Dusk was put off by her prolonged silence. He tried to lighten the mood, get her smiling again. "Don't worry. I understand if you're shy. I'm really nervous myself." When Sera returned her eyes to him once again, Dusk's flustered nature returned. "Besides, I wanted you to know about myself as well. That's only fair, isn't it?"

No more. He needs the truth now. I'll ensure he reproaches me from here on. There will be anguish no matter what I do. Best it happens now, than build up later on. "I already know everything about you."

Now it was Dusk's turn to be speechless. That same, forced smile. He was trying so hard to maintain an amiable presentation, but every word she spoke cracked that mask more and more. Sera's eyes took on a cold, malicious look. No more façade.

(-)

"You were born the first son of Don and Iris Soleil, with all your life planned out for you. A life of glory and tradition. You were to be heir of the family name, like any wealthy family here in Atlas. The Schnees, the Joys, the Alarics, none were any different. You grew up to be everything your parents and grandparents had hoped for you. Clever, strong, calculative, all traits the Soleil's held in high regards.

"Then, one year later, your younger sister, Ciel, was born. You had a rival at last. Someone to push you further. You both strove for greatness and achievement. From there, your life becomes rather monotonous. Day in and day out, training, studying, working. All to live up to your precious family name. When you reached the age of nine, you enrolled into Hearth Academy, to further hone your skills.

"Although you are destined to take over the family matters once you come of age, there were prerequisites. Titles must be earned beforehand. One such title is Hunter. They are the best of the best, after all. Even your parents, Don and Iris, formed a fantastic bond while enrolled at Atlas Academy, and later become lovers. Overall, the Soleil name has seen nary a stain to its glory. You didn't want to jeopardize that."

Dusk was unsure of what to think. Sera had taken a brief pause to drink, allowing the soldier to process all of it. There was doubt, of course. Much of what she stated could be searched up or read in logs. But that didn't ease his mind, nor did it impress him, if that was her game. He tried hard to not assume the worst of her. Sera placed down her glass on the tabletop, both plates of their food growing colder with every passing second.

"So you studied. And worked. No time for play, no time for society. It's no wonder you wound up like a caged bird. Even though your father insisted that you should strive to do only what you're capable of doing, and never push yourself too far. His expectations of you were to be a good lad, and nothing more. Your father made it a habit to remind you of this on a regular basis."

His blood froze. That was a personal thing between him and his father, just as she said. The memories flooded his mind of his father. Those words, exactly. How could she have known about something like that? Would the press have caught wind of it? Paparazzi?

"No need to worry. The media wouldn't dare to intrude upon your privacy or your family's. Your father was merely a doting parent; nothing that would make headlines. And your mother was much the same. Though she was a terrible cook that made only the blandest of food, you loved her for how endearing she was." Dusk swallowed hard, the details of Seraphina's facts right on the money.

"But even their concern wasn't enough to withhold your stress." She continued, at last nibbling on her meal. Dusk found himself too prone to eat. "It was pressure you applied onto yourself, after all. You had to be the best the Soleil family would ever see for generations. Noble... And yet selfish. This of course stunted your social growth. If it wasn't me, you would develop feelings for any pretty girl that would exchange smiles with you."

He had had enough. "Wait. I'm sorry, please. I... I don't understand." What is she?

"I'm no stalker." She voiced his first concern without missing a beat. "I'm a spy. My job is to seek information. And to lie."

"Wh-what?" The inner turmoil only grew worse. This was unbelievable. It didn't make any sense at all. "C'mon, you're not serious." He tried to laugh it off, but Sera's grim, unfeeling expression made it difficult to brush off. "I mean-If you were really a spy, you wouldn't have told me. That's espionage 101..."

More silence. Seraphina continued to nibble away at her lukewarm meal. Is she giving me time to sort this all out? What kind of joke is this? How... What am I supposed to do? "Why?" He managed to mumble.

"There's nothing better to chase you away than the ugly truth." She replied, as though stating yet another fact.

"Chase me away?"

The psychic continued, though Dusk doubted any clarification would suffice. "I'm sorry, but the details and events that occur in my life are far from normal. Far from safe. Even for a Hunter's standards. If you were to follow me blindly like a lost lamb-"

"So what?" Seraphina blinked. The sheer surprise on her face was enough to shake him out of his daze. Why did I say that? No, that doesn't matter. That is how I feel. "Sera, I-"

"'So what'?! Dusk, you don't even know the kind of-"

"Then let me know first." He demanded, as gentle as his tone would allow. Dusk searched for anything to validate such demands. "It's not fair, is it? You sound like you know everything about me, but I don't get to learn a single thing about the real you?" Something gripped his heart, his chest feeling tight. "How am I supposed to fall further in-"

"Telling you won't make you fall further for me. Telling you will make you hate me. Which is precisely what I mean to do." Seraphina closed her eyes, and reached for the glass again. "Have you never wondered? How easy it is to go from loving someone to hating them. Just a flip of a switch is all it takes. The tiniest pin drop on the right button."

Dusk begged her, pleaded with his eyes alone. And then, it happened. He heard her voice, subtle, yet booming through his head. There is much to cover. We may as well start here. The soldier's mind raced back and forth with confusion, unable to focus. He heard her voice. Yet the woman before him was drinking away.

You see, no secret is truly safe from me, never beyond my grasp. Your past, your regrets, your thoughts. All of it at my beck and call. It wasn't necessarily a lie, but it wasn't the full truth, that day long ago. My Semblance is telepathy. Ability to read anyone's mind, predict movement, message remotely, all at my disposal. No thoughts are safe from me. This is the first thing you need to know about me. My insidious nature.

Dusk could feel his heart racing. He didn't know what to believe anymore. It only now set in that the pure, beautiful, and majestic woman that was Seraphina was naught but an act. He didn't want to accept it. Why? Why is this so hard to grasp for me? In the nine months I've known her, I never would have suspected such a power.

Because aside from it's initial capabilities of information diving, its undetectable. Unless I choose so. As I said, this will be hard for you. Not difficult, but painful.

He gasped, hands closing over his mouth. No thoughts are safe, he mentally repeated. Sera nodded in response. All this time, she's been able to read my mind like an open book. She's known how much I've loved her, and how long I held such feelings in. Oh my God. Dusk's mind raced with all details about Seraphina, something he couldn't help anymore. He tried to push to the back of his mind the thoughts that he sought to bury the most. His mind working it's way to imagining her scent. The framework of her supple shape. Her proud figure, clad in naught but-

(-)

The psychic choked on her water. She covered her mouth in haste to prevent more liquids from pouring out. She didn't need to look up to know Dusk's face was beet red at this moment. Rather tame, I must admit, she replied, wiping her mouth. But that's all wrong. What I've been doing is wrong. These feelings you have for me... They're nothing but your imagination filling in the gaps of a performance I've whisked you away in.

I planned on giving you a choice, Dusk. To cease your inquiries and leave. But I can see your thoughts. Your desires. I still occupy every single one of them, even after all I've explained. I know now that there is little choice for me. You reap what you sow. She looked up to study what expression he might have. His mind was blank, an understandable state.

The soldier's brow furrowed. He stared not at her, but the plate at his lap. Only now did the thought of the cost of all this cross Sera's mind. After a silent sigh, he met her gaze with determined eyes. Concerned eyes. Kind eyes. One word echoed through his mind. Everything? To which, the psychic nodded gravely. There was no mercy in her past. Hence, there is none to spare what will take place.

Straining herself, she unleashed it all. Everything she had to offer, all of it ran rampant in his mind. The anguish, the terror, the depravity. Few have an easy life. But a hard life of trials and misfortune and ruin... Those are as numerous as the stars that light the sky. There was no memory she had to offer of her childhood. No, it was more fitting to say Seraphina's life began at adolescence, at the peak of her Semblance's might. Where her body lay restrained, as though buried underground like a rotting corpse.

The tedium manifested terror, the terror brought with it insanity and desperation. That which demanded blood. A craving so deep, so primal, as though it called to her, every waking moment. There was never any forgetting such a feeling. There was never any forgetting your first kill. Thus it birthed the woman known as Seraphina.

Unhinged by her environment, she was volatile and violent, gleeful and terrible. All torment laid upon others, she relished every bit of it, to its fullest potency. Euphoria caused by demented greed. The lies, the deceit, the bloodletting. So much blood. So many lives. Seraphina found herself smirking, entranced by her own bloodlust. Many had met their end before her cunning. And who can say they didn't deserve it? Dead men tell no tales, so they say.

But through holes of her missing sanity lie fear, a petrifying fear she could not name. A lingering dread that preyed upon her. It never left, and never slowed it's approach. Try as she might, all the blood in the world could never appease what fear tore into her soul. Like a monument of cruelty, it stood in prominence in her mind.

Dusk shuddered. Sera opened her eyes, and saw the soldier in a cold sweat closing his eyes so tightly. She knew the progress that was being made. The damage that would not be undone. All to protect him from what may come. The psychic increased the potency of her maddening insight. It cut to the people she had met, the bonds she formed. And the bonds she tore apart in cold blood.

There were two kinds of people in her mind. Those that were prey, and those that were useful. None other existed in Seraphina's world. All would fulfill their role in keeping her fear at bay. Even if the world must crumble. For where was the world when she needed saving most? Reality can be so cruel. She had to save herself. She, who was so weak and frail, had to tear apart the laws that upheld the world.

Conquest. Conquest and dissipation. It was a cycle without end of theft and waste. For the only way it would end was upon her death. And she knew what lie in wait. She knew the great expanse that petrified her so. It was all that kept her going, the thin thread that was her sanity. Nothing else mattered. No one else mattered. The rich, the misguided, the greedy, the arrogant, the-

Seraphina gasped, inhaling sharply. Her chest rose and fell as her breathing became frantic. Her assault ended. Dusk gave a quiet whimper, raising a palm to his face. She could see the beads of sweat gathering around his face. What was I thinking? Sharing that madness is what drove many of my prey to their death. I should be dissuading Dusk, not killing him outright! Only now did she realize she terrorized him with such an intense dosage.

The soldier tried to return to a calmer state, all for naught. As her breathing stabilized, she now noticed the elegant piano playing. The atmosphere around them had remained as unchanged as when she stepped foot inside. People conversed and ate without a care in the world. Not one had turned their gaze to two youth. No, it made sense, after all.

This was nothing more than a den for the liars and cheaters who believe themselves gods. And underneath that veil of arrogance, each and every one of them were but snakes and wolves. This world was one of such predatory laws. It sickened her, and yet the corruption drew her in. The contradictory nature of it all felt like that which she was one with. Nothing but snakes and wolves.

And then there was Dusk. He had recovered, for the most part. Sweat still beaded upon his brow, but his breathing had slowed, and his hand reached out to Sera. She closed her eyes, as if in approval. He would be furious. He would be enraged. He would be unnerved. All of this was blown away when she felt his hand closing over hers once more. A tender grip of warmth and concern.

"What are you doing?" She found herself blurting out. Her eyes raced to his, and instead of confusion and hatred, there was a look of sympathy. Compassion filled his eyes, as though he would weep at a moment's notice. She pulled back her hand, massaging it. His heat had seeped into the very skin.

"I-I'm sorry."

"..." The psychic crossed her arms once again. Well, here we are again, under the same old shattered moon. Only now its face to face, no masks or acts. I won't apologize. I should, but I won't. And I don't deserve forgiveness, either. I'm a terrible witch who leads men to their death. And now you know that.

Yes. She was surprised to hear such a clear response from him. He had caught on to her telepathy better than she anticipated. I know all I need to know about you.

Good, she thought to herself. Then it's time. Hate me, now. Tear me asunder with your animosity, your disgust. Leave, and grow to be better.

You were so lonely.

What? What in Remnant is he talking about?!

In the past. So alone, so, so very alone. How could you stand it? I can't even comprehend.

So what?! Are you implying my actions are somehow relatable? Warranted? I've murdered hundreds! And I'll continue to kill as I please! You may have been my next victim! But she discovered he wasn't thinking of that. He was listening, but never once considered her words. Instead, he could only imagine her younger self, caged and enthralled, crying her eyes out.

Against the world. Her and her alone, weak and broken. Next in his imagination came him. He stood before her frail figure, following as she scampered away. Dusk's avatar embraced her, holding on so tightly. He became what little light and comfort existed in the poor girl's world. And he offered that to her.

Stop it, she mentally demanded. But it didn't stop. Dusk's vision continued, to the present day. There they all were, the twelve of them. How well they all mingled and got along. Even if he knew Sera's actions were all a play, he chose to believe in that smile of hers. No more. Enough! You know this isn't me. You're lying to yourself. You're believing what I programmed you to believe!

Everything in his mind vanished, the figures fading likes waves at a beach. For a time, there was emptiness. Just a field of white. When you shared with me the people you knew. Those you used; people appeared, Coal and Sylvia among them. Those you targeted; more figures, Sorrell, Jacques, Viridian, and more. There was another type, always put out of your mind.

Azure Phirres took the stand. Her sorrowful expression, behind a shell of steel. The psychic recognized what he was trying to do. Not strong enough, she deduced. Even with all the turmoil she brought upon him during her onslaught. Not enough.

I'm a murderer, she reminded him.

You never consider the innocent. The naïve. The pure. He answered in kind.

I've killed countless people. Back and forth the two discussed, not a word escaping their lips.

As though protecting them from yourself. Such actions speak of a conscience.

There is nothing stopping me from killing you.

It's all right if you don't believe in it, or if you don't want to believe in it. I believe in it for you. Every day I'll bet my life on it.

You're just a fool. Too blind to see logic.

"I love you." Dusk declared in a quiet voice. "Nothing will change that."

"How can you even say something like that? After what you've witnessed? After what I've shared?"

"You're crying." And so it was. She discovered herself shedding tears as she tried to implicate herself. Sera chose to ignore his discovery.

Why are you being so... So... Stupid? This isn't like you! You're logical! You're intelligent! How can you dismiss all of this evidence?!

Because I want to. His words struck her like bullet. Now, after all this time, she finally understood. Everything was clear. It made sense, all came together. Azure was different from the others. Despite her bloodied hands, she was still so pure and innocent. Sera found herself in love with that about the assassin. Dusk was nowhere to be found on the spectrum because he wasn't there either. He is pure, just like Azure. He is a hamster. In a world of corruption, of snakes and wolves, he is a small, naïve little hamster.

She found herself laughing. The psychic didn't mean to, but she couldn't stop grinning ear to ear with tittering. It was now that other people turned her way. Through her gasps for air, she saw Dusk's confused face. After all that, he willingly and blindly follows like a lost little puppy. He faces fact and reality and chooses to instead follow his heart. It was all so shallow minded. He hardly dwelt on any of what I relayed to him. No, he chooses to embrace it, no matter what! How gallant! How stupid! How intrepid!

You. Are. Amazing. Do you know that? You're so wonderful, made all the more amazing by how oblivious to it you are. Sera's messages to him shaded his face bright red. Any girl would be the luckiest in the world if they snagged you.

I-I-I don't like this. I feel like I should appreciate what you're saying, but I don't, for some reason.

I can't be with you. I'm so, so very thankful of your feelings. But I can't return them. "Thank you, so much, Dusk." She whispered, smile wide as can be. The psychic then patted the top of his head, making him blush and shy away even more.

"Why does it feel like you're belittling me..." He murmured.

Don't fret. The story isn't over yet. She pulled him out of his seat, holding his hand with both of hers. There are... circumstances. The situation is very complicated. But perhaps, one day, I may be willing to accept this magnanimous ideal you have of me.

(A.N: Aaaand we're back to the present. All those notifications should have stopped, sorry for them being in the middle of the night *at least in my timezone*, but it needed to get done and I couldn't put it off any longer.)