Disclaimer: I hereby disclaim all rights to all characters (save for those of my own creation) during this twist of events… especially for the one with an agenda.

~保護者~

"Possession"

~保護者~

Kath inhaled sharply, badly startled, when something grabbed hold of his sleeve and hauled him out of bed. He was still coughing, his throat painfully dry, as he was tugged (it felt more like being dragged) across his room to a glass of water that had been left on his desk. Why it was so far from his bed, he had no idea. Now wasn't the best time to question it. He just drank the water, grateful for the soothing effect it had on his throat. The relief wasn't immense, but it was enough to stop his coughing for the time being.

Now that he was a touch more awake, he became cognizant of a firm pressure against his leg. It took a few seconds for it to register that it was Azerel's body lingering there, helping Kath maintain what little balance he had right now. He was swaying badly, he realized. If he didn't sit down, he was going to fall. So, shakily, he lowered himself into a temporary sitting position on the floor, glass still in hand.

Azerel moved to lean against Kath's back, still supporting him and keeping him upright. "This is the most you've been awake in days," the wolf commented. "Whatever new medicine they're trying on you, it appears to be working."

Though he tried to recall, Kath found that he had no memory of having been given anything recently. The last thing he remembered with any degree of clarity was… talking very briefly with Jet, maybe? He didn't even know how long ago that had been. Hell, he wasn't even sure if that had been real. The constant haze of fever made everything feel like some sort of disorienting dream. But not as much now as it had been. For one thing, this interaction felt real enough. Which meant he did need to come up with some sort of reply. "What time is it?" he found himself mumbling just before draining the rest of his water.

"Late afternoon," Azerel replied. "You slept through most of today."

That was apparent. Kath nodded slowly. "What medicine was it?"

The wolf hesitated for a moment. "I do not recall what it was called. It is something not something we knew before we died."

Curiosity more or less satisfied for now, Kath changed the subject by quietly admitting, "I cannot walk back to the bed, Azerel."

Behind him, Azerel shifted his weight from side to side. "I know. I'm thinking." After a short pause, he said, "How is your nausea? If it is gone for the moment, I can teleport you there."

Overall, Kath didn't feel too much like he was going to hurl. The sudden movement when he'd first been woken up had nearly changed that, but it seemed fine now. "That should be fine," he murmured. "Thank you." In an instant, he was back under his covers. When Azerel jumped up beside him and curled up, he allowed himself to drift back off to sleep.

About an hour later, Azerel suddenly awoke. He turned his head to look at Kath. Reassured that the hawk was still asleep, he quickly got up and exited the room. Following his nose, he walked quickly to where Sein and Alana had been sleeping lately. The pair were there, sure enough, but having a conversation about something or other. He sat neatly in the doorway, waiting as patiently as he could for some form of acknowledgement. When neither noticed and the anomaly he was sensing continued to grow, he gave up on formalities.

His short howl made Alana jump and she spun around. After a second, she demanded, "Azerel, what has gotten into you?"

Azerel got to his feet, happy to have been noticed finally, and looked at the pair before meaningfully taking a step back into the hall. "Follow me," he silently insisted, hoping they would understand. "Quickly, something is happening."

Sein blinked a few times before seeming to clue in, practically scooping Alana up off the seat and onto her feet. "Come on, let's get moving," he said quickly.

Alana acquiesced and moved to follow him. She watched as Azerel stood and hurriedly teleported outside. She followed, taking Sein along with her by the hand. Once they reappeared, she asked, "Sein, what is going on?"

"Not sure yet, but Azerel seems to think it's important," Sein explained, following after the aforementioned wolf. Before long, Azerel abruptly stopped and sat down, his eyes trained ahead of him.

Light began to build up in the area ahead of them, only growing larger and more intense as the seconds passed. Sein didn't really have any time to process this before realizing that it seemed similar to what happened when Kath was brought back. Alana, for her part, had already made the same realization and was staring in silence at the anomaly. Once it grew too bright, however, she was quick to shield her eyes alongside Sein. All of a sudden, the light faded away and left two figures standing together. One was a brown Babylonian, an owl to be exact. Perhaps just a bit larger than Alana herself, but right about the same size as Sein (as he was a touch larger than most hawks). The other was a green hedgehog with dreadlocks not unlike an echidna's.

Sein raised a hand in greeting, approaching without much hesitation. "Hey, welcome. Mind if I ask who you are?"

The owl gave a gentle smile. "I'm Arkiri, and my wife here is Tarin," he gestured softly to the hedgehog who flashed the two hawks a similar grin.

Alana stayed quiet, momentarily thrown off by the knowledge that this was an inter-race couple. There was nothing wrong with that, of course, but for Babylonians it was rare. This is… unusual.

Meanwhile, Azerel had gotten to his feet and (quite happily, it would seem) trotted over to the pair. He focused on Arkiri in particular, making a small wuffing sound at him and nudging him with his head. The owl chuckled and gently patted the wolf on the head. "It's been quite a long time, Azerel. How do you fare?" Azerel wagged his tail a little, something he hardly ever did, and sat down again in response.

Now thoroughly confused, Alana asked, "You know Azerel?"

"Yes?" Arkiri questioned. "He and Kath were close friends. I used to speak with him at length between my explorations," the owl explained, hoping to clear up the confusion quickly.

"You know Kath?" Sein had to ask.

Tarin chose to speak up, voice soft. "He and Kath were close friends. I was even able to meet him once due to Arkiri bringing me to Babylon. It was a pleasant experience."

Her tone softening significantly, Alana spoke again. "You… were friends with my father?"

The owl nodded gently in response. "I was. Admittedly, I was a touch older than him, but we grew close. I believe your name is… Alana, yes?" he asked, a bright smile on his face.

Now even more surprised, Alana asked in return, "You… You know me as well?"

Amused, Arkiri laughed. "Yes, I saw you an admittedly small number of times, but I believe I would know a descendant of Kath when I see them. You are much like him, in a good way."

After a long moment of silence, Alana turned to Sein and lightly grasped his arm. "Father will want to see them," she murmured earnestly. "Him especially."

Sein stared at Arkiri for a long moment, eyes narrowed as he thought deeply. The owl caught sight of this, and seemed to do the same thing. They stood there for a few more seconds before Sein suddenly nodded and said, "Let's get moving. Things may have changed a lot, but Kath hasn't."

Tarin laughed happily at the two males and motioned on. "I assume you will teleport or walk the countless stairs. I care not which you choose."

Alana spoke up immediately, a thought having struck her. "Actually… Father is ill with something from Mobius. If you were born there, you may be susceptible as well. Babylonians normally would not be, however."

"Oh…" Tarin murmured, frowning. "I am sorry to hear that, but I am not of Mobius. I lived there for some time, but that was not my birthplace."

Relieved, Alana nodded. "You should be fine, then." With that said, she teleported them all inside. They reappeared in the hall outside of Kath's room. "Sein, do not break the door down if it is locked this time."

There was a stifled laugh from Arkiri, the man finding great amusement in that statement. Sein rolled his eyes and huffed. "I didn't plan to do it this time. Maybe next time." Apparently already bored of waiting, Azerel approached the door and nosed it open. As it happened, it hadn't been fully latched by whoever had last shut it. He slipped inside.

"Please, lead the way," Arkiri murmured. "I would not wish to seemingly enter uninvited."

Tarin huffed softly at the owl and gently drug him inside. "You will not be bothering him," she assured easily, smiling.

Following close behind them, Alana watched as Azerel jumped up on the bed. For once, the wolf misjudged his landing and wound up hitting Kath's legs. This visibly startled him, causing him to reflexively throw his arms up for a second before abruptly lowering them and shoving the wolf behind him and off the bed. "K'so mari hellvet, Azerel!" he cursed under his breath.

Sein waved over at Kath. "Yo, Kath. We've got some visitors. Said they know you." Azerel was growling and shaking himself off while Sein spoke, but Alana quieted him down. Kath sat up and rubbed at his eyes, clearly trying to wake up more.

Arkiri walked over in a manner that would let Kath know someone was approaching him and knelt down by the bed, a soft smile on his face. "It has been quite some time, Kath."

Too out of it to question this too much though he was, Kath nevertheless immediately asked the first question that came to mind. "How are you here?"

"That is beyond my knowledge," the owl admitted gently.

In his current state, Kath didn't fully grasp what was going on very well. But even so, he understood enough to know that they really shouldn't have been here at all. Him or Tarin, who he could sense elsewhere in the room. Part of him was so confused and out of it that it was convinced this was another fever dream. It isn't, he told himself a moment or two later. Too vivid. The voice is too… correct. The auras, too…

The owl softly sighed. "You are not well, Kath. I ask that you rest. We can speak at length another time, alright? Perhaps then all of our questions can be answered."

Alana walked over and put a hand on Kath's shoulder. "I agree, Father. You need more sleep. We only wanted to let you know that they are here. They can stay in a room close by, if that is alright with the queen." Turning her head, she asked Sein, "Will you check with her, please? This floor is normally only reserved for family, but she may make an exception." Sein was quick to nod and vanish, off to do as Alana had asked.

Tarin watched from some distance away, her eyes filled with a gentle warmth at seeing this display. It was wholesome. "Even if we are not allowed, we will manage. I have lived in far worse places than the beautiful places your kind call home."

Alana hesitated before admitting, "Sein and I may not be able to remain close by as much as we have been. There are battles projected to take place soon, and we need to be involved. For his sake, and for the sake of my own nerves, I would prefer someone to be able to be near Father. Just in case." She gently pushed Kath back so that he was laying down again. He offered no resistance, not did he even combat Azerel at all when the wolf rejoined him.

"I understand," Tarin answered. "I will gladly aid in protecting him should danger come his way." Arkiri nodded his gentle agreement.

"I apologize for so suddenly asking this of you," Alana sighed. Fresh worry panged her heart when her father started coughing suddenly. "It was not my intention. It is just that… I have been worried about this for some days now, and no other solution has presented itself."

Tarin waved a hand dismissively. "It is in my blood to fight to protect. I have no issue with doing such." Alana nodded, not knowing how to properly express her gratitude in this moment but hoping they understood regardless.

Arkiri silently watched over Kath for a moment. "I will also aid in protecting him. I wish to see him in good health."

After a moment of silence, Alana had a thought. "My husband and I… only very recently learned of a large portion of my Father's past," she murmured. "There were no mentions of either of you, at least not by name, nor have I heard him say your names. How did he meet you both?"

"Seeing as you are his daughter," Arkiri started, "I will tell you. However-"

Sein suddenly reappeared beside Alana. "She said it would be fine." Relieved anew, Alana nodded her acknowledgement and thanks.

Arkiri laughed gently, smiling at Sein before his expression grew more serious. "Alana had asked how Kath met me, and I was going to explain," he murmured. "I was part of an expedition team. We went to and surveyed planets, other living beings, and so on. One day, I went on a particular mission to the Erukti homeworld and happened across Kath. We brought him back as quickly as we could manage, and from there we ended up growing close."

Understanding dawned in Alana's eyes. "You were on the expedition that saved him… after the escape pod crashed." She glanced over at Kath, only to find that he was already asleep again. It was just as well.

He nodded slowly. "From captivity." Arkiri sighed, shaking his head. "I wish I could have met him on better terms, but I am grateful that fate placed me on that path with him."

Sein blinked several times before his own frown appeared. "You… how much do you know about him?"

Arkiri thought for a short time, closing his eyes in an attempt to think of how to answer this properly. "I know much. There is likely a lot he has kept hidden from you, for personal reasons and for reasons beyond his control. As much as I wish to sate your curiosity, I will not go telling of his life unless you already know."

Alana didn't particularly like that answer, but that didn't mean she didn't understand it. "If I may," she said, "I will ask but one question. I will not require a detailed response if you do not feel comfortable giving one right now, I suppose."

"You are always free to ask questions. Doing so gives insight and wisdom," the owl invited easily. "May we step outside, though? I do not wish to disturb Kath any more than he has been."

Not wasting any time, Alana teleported them all back out into the hall and quietly shut her father's door. Once that was done, she asked, "My father's past… the parts you believe he is still keeping hidden. Do they have anything to do with how he reacted earlier when he was startled? I have seen him do that throughout my life, and my mother…" She looked away. "It always seemed to trouble her."

Arkiri thought deeply, as if deciding whether it was okay to give this information. "It does. It has much to do with his past, as much as it pains me to say that."

That earned a sigh. I was afraid you would say something akin to that.

Sein didn't want to leave the conversation there. It felt like they were really gaining a lead in learning about Kath, but… he didn't want to push too hard. After all, these two had just been revived. So, he left it alone. "Thanks for telling us."

"Your care for him alone was enough reason to have done so," Arkiri stated. "There is no need to thank me."

Deciding it was time to move on from this for now, Alana sighed again and said, "From what I understand, revival often leaves people exhausted. If you are tired, we can find you both a room now and let you rest."

"I would be most grateful," Tarin answered. "Also, might I say that it is a pleasure to meet you, daughter of Kath and Laralei. You as well, Sein."

"It was pleasant to meet you as well," Alana murmured in reply before slipping away to locate a room.

Sein suddenly walked closer to Tarin, eyebrows furrowed. "You remind me of someone and I cannot figure out who for the life of me."

Tarin's head tilted in minor confusion, a thoughtful frown on her face. "You are not related to Kath or Laralei, so I am sure I have not met you. My daughter has also passed, and I am not aware of her having any children of her own."

"It should come to light in due time," Arkiri answered. "I am sure of that. Life works in mysterious ways."

"Ah, that's fair enough," Sein answered. "If I figure it out, I'll let you know."

The woman nodded softly in response. "I look forward to it."

Right about then, Alana returned. "Come. I have found a room that is unoccupied."

Arkiri and Tarin nodded, moving to follow as Sein teleported to Alana. "Do you know who this woman reminds me of?" he questioned suddenly.

His wife gave him a glance. We can discuss this later, she thought, as though he could hear. It wasn't even that she could transmit thoughts to other people, either. She just hoped he would somehow understand. We do not need to burden them with more surprises right now.

Sein blinked a few times before nodding. He suddenly turned around and smiled to the newly revived couple. "Let's get you somewhere you can rest."

~保護者~

"-scans for some reason," Rouge was telling Eila. The pair were having another chat in the woods some distance from Tails's home, as they had done multiple times by this point. She was smiling as she continued, "I suppose I should count myself lucky that it didn't find anything weird or-" She was cut off by a gentle wave of warmth and light. It took her a moment of looking around to realize where it had originated from: the sky. Looking up, she frowned to herself. "What in the world…?"

"I have no clue…" Eila muttered, magic glowing around her hands. She wasn't sure what she was trying to prepare for, but something was about to happen. If it's a being of Light coming to kill me, we're in for a really bad time.

"Is there trouble?" Rouge asked lowly, her wings unfurling in preparation for takeoff if need be.

Eila's eyes glowed for a moment. "I am not sure. I have not seen something like… this."

Rouge looked up again, only to wince and cover her eyes almost immediately. "That's bright!" she hissed in pain. "What the hell?"

"That's a lot of Light," Eila muttered, already casting a barrier over the two. Fuck… that's the level of Light I'd expect from Rose, and it keeps growing.

The bat groaned into her hands before saying, "Wait, I think I get it… someone might, maybe, be about to be revived. Like I was. And of course they blinded me in the process."

"...Revived?" she questioned. "Like necromancy?" Eila did not like the idea of that, but it also made so little sense. Light couldn't do that.

"No, not at all," Rouge corrected, shaking her head. "I don't know much about it, honestly, but it doesn't involve magic or anything nefarious."

Eila nodded slowly. "...Good." Suddenly, the Light flared again before vanishing entirely. And then there was a distant shout as someone began to fall out of the sky. Right toward them and the trees. In a quick reaction, Eila swiped her hand and used her magic to catch this person and slowly bring them down to the ground as opposed to letting them plummet into whatever they hit first.

The person in question was grumbling and complaining endlessly as they were lowered into the grass, and the sound of their voice caused Rouge to snap her eyes open. "Knuckles?" she demanded, her eyes slowly adjusting enough to make out the red blob sitting between the two women.

In response, Knuckles jumped to his feet. "Rouge? Wait, what the he- What's going on here?" He quickly turned to face Eila, about to question her as well, but paused his brief tirade when he realized that he didn't recognize her. There was no reason to bite some stranger's head off. This time, anyway.

Eila flinched instinctively, backing a step away at his simple movement. "I-..." The cat had to collect herself, realizing that she was panicking over nothing (not that it made the anxiety go away). "We think you were revived…" she murmured.

Strong arms crossed and Knuckles looked away in a huff. "I got that much. Doesn't explain why, though."

Rouge wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "Well, I for one am not complaining. It's good to see you, Knuckie."

Though he sighed, Knuckles immediately hugged her back. "I seem to recall asking you not to call me that."

"More like demanding," Rouge laughed. "Angrily. And often. But when has that ever stopped me?" As the two spoke, Eila backed away slowly. Her hand glowed as she drew a magic circle on the ground, intent on leaving before she somehow upset this… 'Knuckie'. But, of course, Rouge noticed. "Hey… you don't have to leave," Rouge called to her. "I know this tough guy has a rough exterior, but he won't hurt you or anything. Isn't that right, Knuckles?"

For his part, Knuckles didn't hesitate to agree. "I didn't mean to scare you like that. To be honest, the second I figured out I was revived I assumed the main person standing near me would have been Sonic. And, trust me, he would have bickered right back at me."

Eila smiled nervously, still unsure as to whether she should stay or not. "I just… don't wanna draw attention. You guys are having a reunion."

"You don't have to stay if you don't want," Rouge gently assured, "but you also don't have to go. If you do decide to head home for now, we'll understand. You and I can always catch up more next time."

In an attempt to not separate herself from Rouge (the woman's presence severely helped her feel normal again), she slowly reapproached. "Thanks…" Then, realizing that she still didn't know this… Echidna's name, she decided to ask, "Who are you?"

"Knuckles," he told her. "Trust me, it sounds weird to most people, but for ancient echidnas it was a perfectly normal sort of name. And, well, my parents were born a very long time ago."

"...Oh," Eila murmured. It took a moment before she realized her own name hadn't been mentioned. It was a bit of a battle for her to get to the point where she felt comfortable saying it out loud, and she wasn't sure why. "My name is Eila. Eila Moonpetal."

Last names were exceptionally rare for Mobians (and Babylonians, come to think of it), so hearing one caused Knuckles's eyebrows to raise. However, he didn't question it, choosing instead to extend one large hand toward her. "Nice to meet you."

She hesitated, and it pained her that she did so. Eila knew that his strength could… No… don't think about that. He's… okay. With this assurance, she gently accepted the hand. "You as well."

Deciding to gently intervene for Eila's sake, Rouge suggested, "How about we sit back down? I think we suddenly have a lot more that we can talk about." Eila slowly let her hand fall back to her side and she nodded, slowly settling back down. She hovered a few inches off the ground, almost as if she were sitting normally. Rouge reclaimed her earlier seat, pulling Knuckles down to sit beside her, determined to make sure these two got along. She would see to it.

~保護者~

Someone had imposed upon her solitude.

Nareish's immediate response to that was to kill whoever had dared to enter her private chambers. However, she held off when a familiar voice reached her ears. "My lady, it's time," called Amani, her half-bat and half-da Asani clairvoyant. Once, she had been third in command, operating directly under Nyokae. Now, with Nyokae dead, she had found herself in a new position. It helped that she had always been one of Nyokae's favorite. "The barriers have vanished. We're free once more."

That dark smile was infectious. Nareish allowed herself to indulge, as she often did. "I see. And what of the little task I assigned you? Have you carried it out yet?"

"As soon as the barriers fell, as you instructed," Amani answered easily. "She didn't come quietly, but it matters not. The fool was off on her little moon, where no one but her son could hear her scream."

"As we expected," Nareish replied, standing up. "I assume the boy fled in search of help?"

Amani inclined her head. "He did. We didn't waste our time on him. Our priority was her. You made that very clear."

"I did, indeed." Nareish flicked her fingers dismissively. "Let him go. He may tell whoever he likes that we have her - it will not do him any good. None but Kaden dare to come here for any reason, and he has no reason to at this time. We shall keep our prisoner as long as we like."

"Of course, my lady," Amani agreed. Then she asked, "What are we to do with her?"

"Guard her," Nareish answered firmly. "Do not allow her any opportunity for escape. I have need of her and her magic. Combining it with your mental abilities will allow me to wreak havoc in a very new way… one I believe will prove very entertaining."

"If I may, my lady," Amani said, "to what end? Is this purely for entertainment?"

Nareish smiled again. "Not entirely. Though I am sorely in need of a means to escape my boredom, there is another purpose to this. This will help us to sow some seeds of chaos within that little rag-tag group of heroes. The little trail-run I carried out via Nyokae and those needles has shown me that 'messing with' them throws them off immensely. I will not do things quite the same way, however."

Only Amani would dare laugh in her presence, much less ask, "Are you certain this is not mostly for entertainment, my lady? You do so love games."

With a laugh of her own, Nareish said, "I suppose it is. But I am also curious to see how they handle things… while I focus on my own tasks during their period of distraction. Especially when I hit my last target, that curious little hexweaver."

"I understand," Amani replied wryly. "Shall I begin preparing myself, then?"

"Yes, I believe you should."

"It will be done, my lady. I will be ready whenever you need me."

With another idle flick of her fingers, Nareish dismissed Amani and sent the other woman on her way. Then, licking her teeth, she turned her attention to other matters entirely. It won't be long now, dear boy… You and I will meet again very soon. Continue to grow stronger for me. Your strength will soon be my own.

~保護者~

Armaris was always fond of nighttime. Something about the pale light of the moon and the surrounding darkness always made her feel at home. In a way, she was, but that wasn't why she was out and about. She liked taking walks, and it just so happened that she'd grown a little restless. Luckily she wasn't in bed with Espio tonight, so she was able to actually slip away without bothering him. Traveling through the shadows certainly made that task a bit easier.

"Going somewhere?" a voice asked from behind her, causing her to whip around. Something practically launched her out of the shadows, but she wasn't sure as to what.

She wanted to speak, to cuss, to call for Espio, but she couldn't do any of that. Armaris couldn't speak, and she tried her damndest to overcome that. What the fuck?

Suddenly, the demon materialized (yet somehow remained formless) with glowing red eyes. "I hate to interrupt the stroll of one of our kind, but I have need of you. See, I was asked to do something, but I need your body to do it. If you could be so kind as to-" They stopped speaking as Armaris tried to slash at them, almost visibly seeming to frown. "You are a fighter, I'll give you that. Put away the sword and I'll at least be gentle." The demon had no such luck, Armaris attempting to access her magic, her Darkness, anything to attack. It sighed and grabbed her, forcing her to the ground as it's Darkness poured itself into her. "You're in my domain."

Then, all that was left was Armaris… or, rather, the demon that was now within Armaris. She felt her body stand up, and that was it. Suddenly, she was a spectator to her own body, trapped deep within. She tried and tried to escape, but couldn't. A voice echoed out to her from within, something that chilled her to her core. "Don't bother. You cannot remove me. I am in control."

And with that, the demon began moving, assuming Armaris' body as its own. She passed through the area she'd already traversed quickly and quietly, not making a sound even as she entered Espio's room and gently set a hand on his shoulder. "Espio," she whispered.

Being as light a sleeper as he was, Espio was fully awake in an instant. Frowning a little, he sat up. "Armaris?"

"I want to talk," she murmured, a frown on her face. "Can we step outside?" This was unusual for her, but he had no real reason to disagree. Pushing the blankets aside, Espio stood and walked outside with her. She carefully moved up to the roof, obviously not wanting to risk anyone hearing her before turning to face him. "Sorry. It's just… kind of important."

Espio took a seat next to her. "Is something the matter?" he asked her, ignoring the apology as irrelevant for now.

Armaris leaned forward, her frown deepening. "I've been thinking a lot lately. I'm sure you know that… but I haven't told you the whole truth about it all. I wanted to really think it through and decide if that was what I really thought."

"...What?" Espio questioned after a small pause, unsure where she was going with this.

"I've ignored and tried to push my demonic side away all this time, fearing that people would hate me for it and that I'd lose all those I care about. The more I think about it, the more I realize that the only person who's opinion really matters to me now is yours, but I also want to say that I… think I should start making use of it."

That was startling, but Espio was careful to keep a lid on that emotion for the moment. "Make use of it?" he questioned further.

Armaris sighed and leaned against Espio's shoulder. "I'm a demon. I've always been a demon. I have powers related to being a demon, and I don't acknowledge any of that. But… if I want to grow stronger, shouldn't I make full use of what's available to me? Every skill and power that I can train?"

"It is not worth subjecting yourself to a side of your being you have always hated," he pointed out, frowning a touch more at her words.

"That's another point," she started, her own frown only managing to grow deeper somehow. "Why do I hate it? Just because I hated my mother? That doesn't sound like a real reason to despise myself."

"It is evil," he reminded carefully. "That alone has always been reason enough, has it not?"

The cat lifted her head and looked at him for a few seconds. "Do you think I'm evil because I'm part demon?"

"No," was the immediate and firm answer.

Armaris seemed unsure. "I… I don't know. It's similar to you. Your kind's Darkness is considered evil, like the demons, but you're not evil."

"...In that state, there is no other word for what I become," Espio murmured, looking away. "That much has been proven to me already, more than once."

"I don't think you're evil in that state," Armaris murmured back. "Misguided by your Darkness, maybe, but not evil."

"Perhaps, but it is close enough to not make a difference."

Armaris suddenly wrapped her arms around him, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder. "I don't want to get left behind. I feel like if I don't do this, I'll never be able to be there for you."

This admission gave him pause and he looked at her again. "What do you mean?"

"All of these people… the people we're fighting against. They want to use you for their own plans to conquer and whatever. Even our allies want you on their side because they can't win without you. I just want you for you because I love you," Armaris explained. "I want to be strong enough to help you keep these people away."

Espio had no idea what compelled him to do it, but he suddenly found himself heavily contemplating some of what she'd just said. The idea she'd presented him with had never crossed his mind before, and he was suddenly unsure of what the truth was. Was she correct, or were his previous assumptions the actual truth? They do not see me as a tool like our enemies do. Why would she think otherwise? But in spite of his thoughts, a part of him suddenly didn't quite believe it. He had come to learn not long ago that he did suffer from some form of anxiety. Was that all this was, or was there some genuine cause for concern that he had missed? He didn't know, and he didn't like not knowing.

She turned her eyes up to him. "I don't want anyone to take you away from me. I want to live my life with you."

"No one is going to 'take me away'," Espio huffed. "That it happened once was more than enough. It will not be happening a second time."

"Then what about me?" she basically pleaded. "What if they take me? What if I can't fight back well enough and they kill me? I hate that idea and it's been on my mind since Zareil tossed me aside like a ragdoll."

"Would you not also hate resorting to such measures in a bid to break free?" Espio asked her seriously.

Armaris shook her head. "If it's for you, I don't care…" Espio remained silent this time. He wasn't sure what to say, still unsure what to even think about what he was being told. "If it brings me back to you… no matter what state we're in, I'm okay with that. Like I said… I want to spend my life with you. No matter the cost."

Though he remained unsure about this, all of this, Espio took a moment to kiss her forehead before saying, "It is late. Perhaps you should rest. If this continues to bother you tomorrow, we can speak more then."

A few tears slipped down her cheeks and she pulled him into a kiss, hugging him close before pulling her head back. "I love you, Espio…" And I'm glad you're as much of a fool for love as most. As was fairly normal for him so far, Espio failed to say the words back. The emotions were there, though, even if he didn't vocalize them. He just stood and pulled her to her feet before leading the way inside.

"Leave him the hell alone!" Armaris yelled internally at the demon, still trying to no avail to escape.

Oh, you poor little soul. I won't remove him from you. I want your love for him. I want you because you can get through to him. Must be painful, knowing that you're once again helpless… but we'll change that. You'll become a proper demon.

"Don't you dare…" Armaris could feel herself shaking at the thought. She couldn't go through that, not again.

I do dare, Armaris. You will both become perfect killing machines together, and I'll reserve you a spot right next to him for all of eternity until you die. You will be more than your mother ever was, if only because you are a vessel through which we can manipulate Espio.

Armaris wanted to fight back, but there was so little she could do. "He's been through enough…"

Correction. You have. And I don't want to hear any more of your incessant bullshit. This is your own doing. You could have helped him foster relationships with others, but you were greedy. Selfish. You allowed this.

The demon felt Armaris's struggle suddenly die out, and a faint smile broke out onto her face as she once more focus on everything around her. Armaris wrapped an arm around Espio's and shifted close. "Hey, Espio?"

Espio softly shut his bedroom door and turned his head to look at her. "Yes?"

"Chameleons practice… courtship. Do… you have any problems with us officially being at that step together?" Armaris questioned gently, turning her eyes to his.

Almost, almost Espio flushed. Somehow, he managed to just avoid doing so. "...I gave you a gift," he responded slowly. "One with significance and meaning. To most… that would have been seen as the 'official' start of such a thing."

Something shone in her eyes. "Then allow me to give a gift in return." Faint mischief, and a hint of something she hadn't yet expressed colored her tone as she led him to the bed.

Internally… Armaris could see it all. She could see what this demon was doing with her body. It made her sick, but most of all… it hurt. She wanted to do this with him herself…

But now… she'd lost that chance to the grinning demon in her head.

~保護者~

6,651 words this time. Many thanks as always to Blazing Winds for all of his help and support. Posted (at about 9:43 p.m.) 12-07-20.