Chapter Four: Genesis.
Disclaimer: I don't own Persona franchise.
(((Music - Ar Tonelico 3 - "EXEC_REBIRTHIA=PROTOCOL/")))
That's how dreams work. You can't understand shit, but everything makes perfect sense, you don't know the name of the man, but converse like an old friend… Kinda like what happened to me then.
The first thing I remember?
...Hearing someone cry. As my vision started clearing just enough for me to see something, I realised that I was staring at the face of the crying little girl who was kneeling beside me, her tears dropping on my face and tiny fists clutching on my jacket's collar. My thoughts were hazy, but damn if I don't react to children's tears badly. Opening my mouth, I managed to speak in a slightly raspy voice:
"Hey… Don't cry… It's alright." – She froze and went silent for a moment. Then, she brought her head up and moved her messed up hair out of her eyes, allowing us to look at each other.
She really was a little girl, six or seven years. Her short pitch-black hair was tied into a tiny braid and wide, grey eyes were ridden with tears. Wearing a white dress, she looked pretty normal… Cute.
As I took a moment to examine her, she suddenly embraced me.
"You're... Sniff… Alive… Sniff… Uwaaaah!" - Her tears started flowing anew with even more intensity. Okaaay…?
I patted her head a couple of times.
"Here, here… I am okay. It's all good…" – that seemed to calm her down a little bit. Her gentle crying was muffled by my clothes, but I could feel her starting to relax.
We stayed like that for some time; I am not sure for how long.
"Mi… I was so scared…" – she cuddled closer, "Don't get like that again, please?"
It all seemed like a dream. Just how did I get here? But right then, I didn't care about that in a slightest. Strange, that.
I raised myself up and hugged her.
"Don't worry… It's not like I liked that, either. I'll definitely try not to get hurt." – She raised her eyes at me and smiled for a moment. Immediately, though, her eyes hardened slightly. Pouting, she stomped on the ground and lightly punched me on the chest.
"You are not trying hard enough! Those thingies… Scary…" – the girl shivered, "Can I help you? Pleeeease?" – Not even a second has passed, and she is already eager. Strange girl…
Finally remembering all that has happened, I got even more confused. Just where am I?
"I… And how are you going to help?"
At that, her eyes seemed to sparkle.
"Eh? That's easy!"
After saying that, she let go of me and reached for me with her fingers. And, before I even could realize what was going on, she dug them into my chest…
And tore me open.
(((Music - Digital Devil Saga - "Hunting")))
Empty.
Feels so empty.
It hurts, hurts so much. My head felt like the brain inside was sucked out and skull was going to cave into the newly formed vacuum. Empty, black, my chest… Heart. Where is my heart? There is no heart. There is no HEART. I need my heart. Any heart. Just to stop this. Cant breath-
I opened my eyes and met the stare of the wolf-like beast. Its mouth was opened in a hungry growl, inches away from my neck. Its eyes were filled with crazed rage not unlike other animals earlier.
Although that emotion quickly changed to pained shock just as I buried my fingers in its belly.
…
And what a squishy belly it was.
So soft and tender, wolf's flesh easily gave in under my hand. With a startled growl, beast leapt away a second too late. But not before leaving a chunk of its own meat in my grasp. The bloody lump seemed to bubble with liquid, exposed to air. Hm…
Looks tasty.
Bringing the piece to my mouth I took a bite. It WAS tasty! And strangely energizing. It felt as if a part of my heart has been restored.
But not enough…
Paying no mind to tiny trickles of blood flowing down my chin, I raised my eyes at the creature that stood frozen in front of me. Is that fear I see? Hm… Aren't you a big boy? Adult, with meat in all the right places. Yummy.
I crouched down, my hands resting on the earth. Leaving the wolf no time to run, I lunged forward. Poor doggy just couldn't get away fast enough…
But he sure could dodge. Ignoring the obvious pain he felt, wolf jumped back, narrowly avoiding my swipe. I would've continued my strikes if it wasn't for a sudden feeling of energy the beast started giving off. Moving on instinct, I jumped to the side, a thin line of fire moving past.
Wait… Fire?
Did it just breathe fire? Ha! What an interesting little thing. Must be weakened, though. The fire can probably be even stronger.
Just as its mouth stopped glowing, I rushed forward. Still wasn't fast enough though, and the glow returned again.
"Ah, screw it."
And with that I ran right through the flames. Felt like a hot water. Nothing much. Strange, that. Ha!
The beast finally exhausted and lying on the earth, it had no way of fighting anymore after using what was evidently its last resort. Still, the poor thing still growled in defiance. Awwwww… So adorable. Let me show you how it's done!
Taking a deep breath, I roared.
Instead of sound, out of my mouth came a wave of dark orange fire. As soon as it touched wolfs skin, a full out shriek filled the air. As I watched in satisfaction, smell of burnt flesh reached my nostrils.
…Make that "well cooked meat".
After some minutes, whines finally died out. Wisps of shadow that surrounded us have disappeared. The corpse, bare of all fur, lied on a scorched earth. There was silence, broken only by wisps of fire dying out.
I clapped my hands once.
"Well then! Itadakimasu!"
Kneeing beside the wolf, I sniffed the air in satisfaction and overturned it so its belly would face the air. After pressing my finger against its skin, I made a swipe with my fingertip, drawing a long line across the belly. Some blood flowed out. Peeling skin off, I got to the ribs. Finally, after some unappetizing manipulations which I would prefer not to bore you with, its heart was in my hand.
Never even once did I pay attention to the lingering, terrified stare in the dead creature's eyes.
"Aaaah!"
I opened my mouth wide. This lump of meat, still warm, was just so delicious, so beautiful… A trickle of saliva flowed down my jaw, dripping on my meal. I didn't mind…
A blow to the side of my head came as a surprise. A stunning one, at that. My sight went dark yet again.
(((Music - Ar Tonelico 3 - "EXEC_REBIRTHIA=PROTOCOL/")))
I opened my eyes. The returned sluggishness of my thoughts was already familiar to me. Lightness of my body, though, was not.
The first thing I heard were joyful squeals. With a grunt, I rose up. Before me there stood one hell of a scene…
Imagine. An endless field of green grass, stretching away into infinite horizon, illuminated by a white light from a deep, milky sky. Soft yet unyielding wind, waving around my hair and grassy plains alike. A view so cold, so deep… Yet soothing, calming…
…Home.
Wait. Home? How in the hell is that supposed to be…
I could already feel my mind brightening. Okay, good. Now wherever am I-
"Wheeeee!"
…Those squeals again.
Turning around, I became a sudden spectator of another interesting scene.
Jumping around on the grass there was a big, white dog with a lion-like mane. I recognized him as pure, uncorrupted version of abomination I just killed. Still, glowing yellow eyes and strange, scaled tail that seemed to grow out of its spine kinda gave its nature away.
But that's not what caught my eye at that moment. The strange thing was – the dog seemed to be mounted! By that strange girl from before, to boot. The same girl that somehow got me-
I grunted in phantom pain, still remembering what happened.
That caused her to notice me.
"Mi? Mi! Ully-chan! Look, it's Ully-chan! Hurry!" – With a look of utter happiness, the girl kicked the dog with her heels, causing it to immediately change its stance and run straight at me. Full speed. Oh shi-
There was no way I could dodge. Cue the aforementioned dog lunging at me and pinning me to the ground. Strange, with its size, that my ribs are not giving in. It is surprisingly light. Although, I can't move regardless, so kinda moot point.
"Ully-chan!"
Getting off her strange mount, black-haired girl in white dress embraced me, yet again. I am ashamed to say that I didn't quite manage to strangle an impulse to push her away. I mean, it was PAINFUL the last time. Luckily, I still couldn't move. Great, NOW it's "luckily"?
She still noticed.
"Ully-chan…? Did… I do something wrong?" – She asked in genuine concern and fear. Strange, at this point there usually is at least a bit of crying. Nothing here.
I calmed myself and remembered again all that's happened. Whatever she did, it DOES seem to have saved my life. So…
"…No. I am not angry. Thank you. Just what did you do just then?" – At that the girl seemed at first happy with my proclamation, then confused at my question, then a bit abashed.
"…I dunno." – Cue sweat drop from me. Seriously?
"You don't know."
"Nope!" – came a cheerful answer.
"Then why did you do it?" – Smooth, Shiki. You are an EPITOME of logic.
"I, like, had a feeling… You held yourself back! Yeah, that's it!" – coming from a child's mouth it seemed kind of… Childish.
Damn it, Shiki! Get a grip! OF COURSE it would feel childish coming from a girl!
"And so, you decided to tear a hole in me." – Her face got a typical 'well, when you put it like that…' expression, but brightened right after.
"It worked, didn't it?!"
"Can't argue with that. Thanks." – Utter happiness radiating from that girl caused me to close my eyes for a second. I felt her arms embracing me… Just like that last ti- No. Stop it.
"So…" – I started.
"Hm?" – She seemed perfectly content with our current position. Me? Well…
"Can this guy lay off me? Pardon the pun." – I looked into the dog's eyes. Its stare seemed to judge me. For a second I imagined if it thought about me being a danger to the girl. Who, me? Would never touch an innocent being like her.
Aaaaand here I am, getting corny again. Happens to me once in a while.
"Mi, Kerry! Geroff Ully-chan!" – standing up, the girl started to tug on its lion mane, trying to pull it off me. While I appreciated the gesture, weight difference was obvious. Still, the beast moved away and sat on the ground. It never broke eye contact.
I moved myself up, sitting down on the grass.
"So. Who would you two be?" – Better start with 'who', rather than 'where'.
Dropping down on earth right in front of me, the girl's eyes got a faraway look for a moment.
"Mi… Well, my name is Eve. And that's Kerry! He appeared right after you… Well, disappeared." – She still seemed feeling a little guilty after the whole fiasco.
Well, that doesn't explain much. Right after, huh?
"At first, he was all like 'Arrrrrr' and 'Waaaaaarrrgh', but then we played some and now we're friends!" – She hugged Kerry by the neck.
"So, Eve and Ke-"
My name is Kerberos.
"-rry." – I did my best not to freak out. First, the dog never moved a muscle. Intelligent animal? A freaking telepath, to boot? Second, Kerberos. I know my mythology; it's a guardian of Greek Underworld or whatever it's called. What the hell? Third, isn't he supposed to have three heads? Fourth…
Just what did I fight? And how is it connected to what I am seeing now? What AM I seeing now?
Eve didn't notice a thing. But now that I knew what to look for, Kerberos did. It… He without a doubt knew that I was thinking as fast as I could. I made a slight nod in his direction in acknowledgement of his name.
"…Right. Next question. Where are we?"
"I dunno. I just… Live here… For some time…" – Eve seemed unsure of herself. Evidently, the girl has no idea. While she seemed distracted, I mouthed off 'You?' to Kerry.
I know nothing of this predicament.
"Hm... There goes that."
The last thing I recall is you tearing in me.
Oh.
Oh, shit.
Wait. He won't touch me. First, Eve wouldn't let him, whatever she did to the poor guy. Second, I already established my power over him a couple of minutes ago. I reckon he has wolf instincts, so dominance in pack is established. Wait, am I supposed to be so analytic? Going on…
Still, the guys stare unnerves me.
"Okay. Maybe there is someway I can return, then?"
"Oh, that's easy! You just go through that door over there!" – Eve pointed cheerfully at something behind me.
Slowly turning around, I saw just what was to be expected. A door, shining white just stood there, closed. Just in the middle of nowhere, not attached to anything. Oh hell, it's not like it's the weirdest thing I have encountered today.
"Mi… You are leaving…" – a sad voice from behind interrupted my thoughts. Eve must have caught up on my intentions. Smart girl. But, before I could do anything, she continued.
"Promise you'll be back to play?" – While sentence itself might have looked demanding, her tone was almost begging. Hm. I am not sure if I will be ABLE to return. Still…
"I will do my best." – She can understand that, right?
…Yeah, not the best choice of words.
"Mi… Alright!" – After some contemplating Eve nodded in satisfaction. Then she smiled and ran to me. Grasping my hand with surprising force, she pulled me to the door.
"Come on!"
As we neared the door I could make out a strange pattern on it. Are those… Faces?
Before I managed to look closer, Eve had already put my hand on the handle. Deciding to just go with it, I looked at Eve and Kerberos.
"…See you later." – The beast nodded in acknowledgement, while Eve hugged me.
"Bye, Ully-chan." – with that, she pulled my hand down, turning the handle in process. Last thing I managed to think about and say was –
Come to think of it…
"Why Ully-" – the door opened, and bright light blinded me.
The world went white.
"-chan?"
I opened my eyes.
"This ceiling… Is unfamiliar." – Bad joke on my part, but still true. Above me there was a wooden ceiling that looked slightly worn and old. To add to this impression, it was badly lit by what looked like a fire. Rising up, I surveyed my surroundings.
Surrounding me there were wooden walls of a small room. In this room there were only crinkly bed I lied on and the table with a lantern on it, which was lit, being the only source of light in the room. No windows, one door. Getting up, I realized that I hurt all over. Especially my neck and throat. Wait…
!
Moon, forest, woman, wolf, fear, death, girl, pain, eateateateatEAT EAT EA-
My eyes widened as I remembered just WHAT has happened to me in the last two hours.
"Son of a bitch… Did I really-" – try to eat that thing which attacked me? Did I really nearly tear it apart? Did I really breathe fire on it?
…Explains the throat pain, that's for sure. Still, how am I even alive after getting my neck bit through? And then there is that whole thing with Eve and Kerberos…
"What the hell is going on?!"
That… Pretty much summed up my reaction.
It was then that I realized there was a small book lying on the table. What caught my attention was the note on it. Getting closer, it was with a big wonder that I read the words:
Read the book. Slowly.
…
Okaaaaay…?
Sitting down, I looked at the book. In the pale light of the lantern it looked plain. Interestingly, it was almost new. Not the Old Tome of Ancient Knowledge, then. Hah.
I opened it. The first page had words written on it,
Hello there.
"Erm… Hello?" – At this point, I didn't care about bringing more insanity in situation. Some seconds passed, and words showed no sign of changing. I turned over the page.
No, the words are not going to change. You'll have to turn the pages. Good guess though.
…Damn. Looks like I do care about that.
"And you would be?" – I turned the page again.
Would you look at yourself, talking with a book… Anyway, that's not important right now.
"Then what is?" – I kept on turning the pages.
All that's happened to you.
"Right… What the hell is going on?"
Don't you swear on me. Right now, I have to get you all the information I can right now.
"Exactly what I need right now, an info dump."
…Shut up. First things first – regarding what happened in the forest. You got shifted into another dimension which, in a nutshell, was an inner world of a dangerous creature whose intentions will lead to some very bad things, including death of everyone in Kuwadorian. Its name is Raudra, and it's a spirit which resides in one of the nine birds statues around the city. There are nine of them (obviously) and they all want to break free. Them going free is a Bad Thing. You can probably guess that since it nearly killed you.
There the page ended. I took time to catch my breath. It seemed like a plot of another fantasy fiction, but I wasn't exactly in position to call it a lie after all that's happened.
"How did I get there?"
I am getting to that. The only way they can operate is by calling their inner world up and "overwriting the real one". Basically, they suck people up into their mind. Luckily, there is some magic in normal people, too. Some are able to call upon THEIR mind and summon aspects of their personality. Actually, only one of them. It's called Persona. I know you're familiar with Carl Jung.
One's Persona often has a form of legendary creature and bestows various abilities.
And, well… You have potential of being a Persona user. That's why you got in.
"And let me guess, that woman from before has that ability too?" – For now I decided to just soak up information and go crazy… -ier later.
Indeed. But in her case, while her experience is nearing a decade, her power is meager. As such, there is nothing she can really do against Raudra. You, though…
The thing is, your power is different. While other people only have one Persona and are constricted in their abilities and maximum power (like an aforementioned woman), you are different. You are able of having multiple Personae and limited in neither quantity of your abilities, nor your power. Both would take time to build up, of course.
But, now is not the time to dump everything on you at once. In time you'll know. Any questions?
"…Woah. That's a lot to take in. Let me think… You wouldn't know about a strange place covered with grass?" – That was a shot in the dark. But, since this book and whoever was behind it seemed to be the only source of information…
I wondered if you'd ask. Why, it's your own mind.
What does that mea-?
Oh. Oh!
The sheer ridiculousness and at the same time obviousness of the fact totally floored me. Taking a minute to calm down, I sighed.
"That works. And I guess everything inside is my Personas?"
Look at you getting all genre savvy… Actually, I have no idea about your mind structure at all, except for how it looks. And hey, wouldn't you rather have your mind to yourself, without anyone peeking?
Oh, and correct plural term is Personae.
"Makes sense. The only thing I don't quite get – how do I actually USE these abilities?"
It's instinctual. Trust me - you'll get it right when needed.
Seriously, stop with the questions. There will still be time later.
"Alright… So, thank you for all the info. Any pointers for the future?"
…It won't be a pretty ride. Be prepared for that.
Three things. First, take the book with you. There's still much I'll have to say. Second, take what's on the next page and always carry it with you.
Finally, when you see a creepy old man (which is going to happen SOON), don't tell him anything. Just pretend to be an average school student (in your own way, of course).
Good luck, Tenga Shiki. And for what it's worth, I am sorry.
There the page ended.
What the hell has happened? Who is this person? What is all this magical stuff?
…I am tired.
Deciding on this, I turned the page for the last time.
There, stuck to the page, was a key. Strange, of velvet color and with an ornament of blue butterfly. Weird…
Shrugging, I took it. It was then that I noticed more words on the page.
PS. It's still five PM of the same day. Hurry up!
Wait, what? What kind of sorcery is this?!
…Sorcery. Yeah, I got you.
Left with little time to ponder, I pocketed the key and the book and rushed to the door. There was no lock on it, so I guess the key is not for that purpose.
Behind the door there was the same park as before. The time of the day seemed the same, too. How in the hell…
Exiting, I turned around and looked behind me. It seems like I was sleeping in a small, wooden shack. Nothing special about it, except for the very fact of it being built on a territory of a public park. No clues for the situation here.
I took note of my surroundings. Through trees I could see the lake. Good thing I still have that map.
I my rush to get the hell out I never noticed absolute silence that permeated the forest…
"Damn it's cold…"
It was nearing six o'clock, and weather started getting kinda chilly. Fortunately, I was just near the mansion.
Even after that actually good sleep I got at the shack both my body and mind were exhausted. No surprise, really. Still, being so tired that I didn't even turn the music on?
…Must be paranoia rising its head.
Finally, I got to the door. The lantern was off. Straightening up, I got rid of visible signs of exhaustion. Wouldn't do for Shirabe to see me like this.
Once again, as I reached out to knock at the door, it opened before I touched it.
"Greetings, Shiki-sama. We were expecting you." – An unfamiliar voice greeted me. This time, that wasn't Anya that greeted me.
She looked a lot like her, sure. But her brown hair was short, her facial features were much softer, and she seemed to have no qualms against smiling. And what a beautiful smile that was…
Concentrate, Shiki!
As she bowed, I nodded to her in return. Now, what did Shirabe tell me this morning?
"Hello there! …Kyrie-san, I presume?" – Her smile brightened and I knew I was right.
"Quite right, indeed! Well now, come on in, else our esteemed Head will order our heads off." – Kyrie ushered me inside. Shaking my head at the pun, I took my shoes off.
"So, is that just you and Anya-san working here?" – As we walked to the dining room, I couldn't resist making a small talk. Shirabe did cite her as a charming speaker.
"Yep. Two maid sisters. Isn't that charming?" – Kyrie smirked.
"I guess it is…" – I knew it was some kind of trap, but there was no choice. I sighed…
"Quite a fetish for you to dream of, no?" - …And subsequently choked on air. I expected something funny, but give me a break, that one crosses some borders!
"…Quite." – I managed to cough out after getting myself together. Her eyes laughing at me, she opened the door to the dinner room. That woman… Seriously?
"Shiki! You're just in time!" – Shirabe greeted me.
Just like in the morning, Hireki, Aibu and Shirabe were sitting down with Anya standing near them. Dishes were all set, again untouched. Why do I get a feeling they actually waited for me?
Hireki is giving me an evil eye. Yup, the guy is hungry.
"Sorry for returning so late. Got lost in the forest." – Hireki gave a loud, if for some reason nervous laugh.
"I know what you mean. When we were young, our company always got all screwy when there. Innit right, Shicchan?" – At that Shirabe threw Hireki and me a nervous look, but, too, smiled slightly.
"Yes, it's true… Quite the time we had." – Now even Anya and Kyrie started fidgeting. What is going on…?
Ensuing pause was filled with tension. Did I mention I hate situations like this?
"…Let us eat!" – Finally I mustered out with all possible cheerfulness. I am not going to ruin the first impression this house has of me with a bitter evening.
…Doesn't mean I won't pester Shirabe about this later, though.
As everybody realized what I was doing, they relaxed. I sat down and waited for Shirabe to start eating. She threw me a grateful look.
"Itadakimasu." – Head of family took a bite and the dinner started in earnest. Hireki, truly, was hungry and dug in with the same appetite as before. Aibu seemed oblivious as to what happened. Good. Maids, though…
Anya was shaking. Her eyes wide, she stood terrified. It was as if she gazed onto death itself. How the hell didn't I notice?
Kyrie was standing right next to the girl and held her sister's hand tightly. That seemed to be the only thing which kept Anya from screaming. Upon noticing my stare, Kyrie pressed her finger to her lips. The sign was clear.
They must not notice.
Reluctant, I nodded slightly and returned to my meal. Really, right now I would only make it worse by intervening. Still, I have lots of questions to ask in the future…
That's a fine mess you got me into, fate.
Dinner proceeded in silence. Shirabe was calm, unnaturally so. Hireki seemed unconcerned about getting the mood spoiled. After some minutes Anya finally calmed down and hugged her sister tightly. Kyrie embraced her in turn and was whispering something soothing in her ear.
The worst thing is? I am a stranger in this house right now. There is literally nothing I can do until they have more trust in me. And that would take some load of time…
…I am so tired.
"Thank you for the meal." – I yawned.
"Getting tired, Shiki? Maybe you should go to bed?" – Shirabe, still somewhat unnerved, took advantage of the situation. God you are laying it on thick…
I slowly turned my head to look at all the room's occupants, getting sure to look into everyone's eyes. Hireki held on to his poker face. Kyrie, Anya's face buried in her chest, looked on me with silent plea. Aibu… He actually looked like he started feeling the overall atmosphere. Shirabe…
Now that's a scary smile. I guess she really wants me to get the hell out. And, like I said…
"I guess it can't be helped. Good night then, everybody. "– The tone of my voice practically screamed 'I am on to youuuuuu!~' at them. Guess what, all three of them flinched. Got to give it to Kyrie, though, she actually looked grateful at my understanding, even if slightly guilty.
Waving my hand, I turned around and went off.
I guess the day was getting to me, since I just couldn't bring myself to care anymore. One of my quirks – dump too much on me, get yourself a bitter bastard on your hands.
Somewhere on the way to the bedroom, my brain must have shut down. Memories of me getting in and falling on the bed, still clothed, are kind of hazy. At least I managed to take off my shoes. Didn't get further than that, though, before losing my consciousness… Ahem, falling asleep. Wasn't much difference at this point…
Isn't it curious, though? How I never doubted that book. How I didn't spare even a thought to a question - what should I care about those spirits? Why should I risk my life for people unknown to me? At first, I behaved practically on reflex. As in, people are going to die, I can save them, and use magical powers to boot. My self induced blindness was so vast, I didn't suffer any emotional trauma after nearly dying and then getting near the death of my mind and, possibly, my very soul. Of course, there were drawbacks to that...
To this moment, I still regret some of my doings on that, very first day. That talk with Shirabe in the morning, leaving Hireki and Aibu in the city, being so flippant with Eve, the poor girl… All these things could, should have gone better.
That evening, I left four people to their devices, no one to help them in their despair. Perhaps, it was one of the most crucial mistakes I made. Alas, there indeed was no choice. Still, as I learned later, things could have gone worse. Much worse.
The thing is, the day was far from over…
As I opened my eyes, I was met with an already familiar feeling of sluggishness. The first thought I had was – "What the he- Argh!"
... Actually, those were my first words as well.
Right in front of me sat an elderly man of… Unique appearance. Small height, bald head, big, bent nose and, above all that, huge bloodshot eyes. I can't exactly be blamed for nearly falling out of the chair I've been sitting in. Wait…Chair?
Temporarily losing sight of the man, I managed to focus on my surroundings.
This time I ended up in a big room styled in velvet color. It was so big that edges of it couldn't be seen, instead fading into darkness. Surrounding me there were bookshelves. Lots of them. The only sources of light here were lamps on the shelves, which filled the space with the same color as an overall theme. It looked like a library, but it sure was a strange one.
I was sitting in the clearing formed by the shelves, the size of a medium room. There was a table and three chairs, of which mine was on one side of it, and two on the other. The strange man was sitting in one of them. The other was empty. Speaking of…
Seeing me calmed down, he started speaking.
"Welcome, young man… To the Velvet Room."
My reaction was nearly automatic. I groaned and slapped my forehead.
"Oh for the love of…!"
Author's Note: That… Was a strange experience. I am not sure how good it came out. Many things are introduced, of which some are going to seem strange when noticed. Not to worry, it is all according to plan. Doesn't mean I don't want to hear your opinion of them, though. Please, review. It will really help me.
Thank you for reading!