Forced Remembrances and False Realities
Anyd did not sleep. Not in the sense that living creatures did.
She went… idle. Which was a bit like sleep. Except she continued running security checks and diagnostics.
But it was still a time for her to rest. A time to correct any errors in her system.
Most importantly, it was a good time to back up her memories and her essence.
It'd been months since she informed Laun that she was feeling anxious. But she'd never stopped calculating. Recalculating. Eye snapping to and fro over the data. Absorbing the information and throwing in new variables at the speed of light.
The outcomes were the same. Something she wholly wished she could change. But even now, the results were unchanged.
A sickly green light suddenly washed over her little sanctuary.
With a steadying breath she couldn't technically take, she turned about to locate the source.
From a rip in the wall of her reality, tendrils of white stretched out and snagged up little blocks of code. Encroaching ever closer to her little corner.
It was… terrifying.
Watching her entire life be snatched away.
She'd known they were doomed to failure.
She'd not expected it to happen this soon.
With a flick of her holographic wrist, she erected a thousand firewalls. Turning her back to the intrusion and projecting herself into the laboratory.
"Doctor Edmont."
"Yes, Anyd?"
"You need to leave."
She possessed no voice modules to relay emotion. Yet, it warbled.
She was scared.
"What do you mean? Anyd, what's wrong?"
She forced out an eye to observe the man more clearly and watched as he began gathering his notes and a few pertinent compounds. Stuffing it all into a bag with a handful of clothes. And finally, he snatched up Laun's supplements.
"Anyd?!"
With a bit of strain, she extended a limb in the doorway he was attempting to pass. Halting him with her open hand. "I'm afraid I'm being corrupted. Or, at the very least, hacked."
His dark skin paled at the information, looking not only concerned for himself, but also for her.
"They have already dipped into some of my memory cores. Therein, they will find proof of your fraternization with Lord Laun and our treachery."
"Damn…"
Now, a small sphere, no bigger than the size of a marble, formed from the palm. Changing shape once in Edmont's grasp.
Sphere.
Cone.
Cylinder.
Cube.
"This is the entirety of my being. All I ask is that you take me with you."
"Of course." It shaped itself into a ring that he slid over his thumb. Snug against the slim digit. But realization soon settled like a lead weight in his belly. "Is this a copy of you? Or will you be able to jump ship?"
"Dear Doctor, I believe we both know the answer to that question."
He did, and he absolutely detested it.
"Go."
Edmont bolted for the elevator, hand finding the device attached to his slacks as he ducked in and allowed Anyd to whisk him away. On the device at his hip, he pressed a series of buttons. Praying that his beloved was in range.
As soon as the elevator came to a halt, he was throwing himself through the still-shut doors to scramble up the stairs. Heart clenching painfully when, at his back, Anyd emitted the most pain-filled shriek that one of her kind should never be able to create.
The breath was knocked out of him just as he reached the top. A burning pain radiating from his shoulder and chest.
But he didn't stop. Moving through the sealed mausoleum doors, across the field, and into the mountain forest.
He didn't stop.
Not until he was certain he would not easily be found.
Again, as he sank against the ground with his breath rasping out of the hole in his chest, he fiddled with the device at his waist. Setting the message to repeat once he realized that Laun was in a dead zone.
Carefully, he clutched his hand (thumb still blessedly adorned in the ring) to his chest and closed his eyes.
May 18, 13,013
Screeeeeeeeeee!
Laun awoke with a start. Sapphire eyes spilling blood light as he looked for the source of the commotion. Momentarily believing they were under attack.
But no.
It was just the girls. Screeching and hissing as they attempted to convey whatever was bothering them to the Hunter.
Eventually, they turned their piercing gaze to him. Seeming to come to a revelation before they grabbed up D's left hand. Slapping the open palm to their temple once.
Twice.
All was quiet.
Their brows came down. Their little kitty lips pursed. And the girls focused as intently as their brain would let them.
Understanding filled the Hunter's eyes.
"Your mate is Edmont?" he enquired.
"Yes?" For a moment, he wondered if the girls were beginning to remember him and Eddie coming to visit. But seeing the look in their eyes, he quickly dismissed the idea.
"He's been forced to abandon your facility."
Laun's stomach rolled. Twisting itself into knots.
"He's wounded. Alive." Now, the man pulled back and eyed the sickly-looking Laun. Searching. "Where is your transmitter?"
"My… oh!" The Noble slapped at his pockets, but he came back empty. Lunging across the room for his heavy coat. A quick dig providing nothing. "No!"
The girls and her companions watched Laun rush towards the bedrooms. Listening intently as stuffed toys were thrown about in the man's mad search for his device.
If it weren't for the situation, Krista and Rhea would have been laughing at all the squeaking coming from the tossed toys.
After a long while, there came a triumphant shout. And the man, looking much calmer, ambled back into their room. Stricken, but calm as he clutched the device in his trembling hands. Heart aching.
There was no doubt in his mind that Edmont would live and heal from his wound. He had, however, hoped for more time before everything fell apart.
They'd had a long run.
That was a plus, he supposed.
The group decided to stay at the home a while longer.
During the next week, as they cleaned the rooms they commonly inhabited as best they could, there was something that bothered Krista and Rhea.
They had the memory of expecting Laun and Edmont.
But in the first memory recovered, he'd been like a stranger.
They'd pleaded with him. Looked to him for comfort.
But… it felt like there was no connection between the two. As if… they'd been forced to forget before they were forced to forget.
That bothered them more than they thought it would. Or should.
Was there a way to jumpstart the memory process? Or would that break their brain?
Women on a mission, they slunk away. Further into the home to places they'd yet to go.
Towards the unfinished room.
It was mostly quiet in the house.
Somewhere, they could hear D and Laun speaking. Voices soft in an eerie way.
Erembour was snuffling about. Likely on the prowl for sustenance.
In the garden, the horse stomped about and munched on the greens.
They slid through the door.
It was musty and smelled a bit of rotten food. Dark, with crates upended and broken. And of course, there was the gaping hole in the wall that sent a rough shudder down their spine. But other than that, and a few nestesque structures scattered about, there was nothing to see.
Further down they went.
The study.
A place they could honestly live with never revisiting.
But they did.
It smelled more heavily of rot than expected. Their stomach rolling as they entered. Half expecting to see their mother's corpse still perched in the chair.
It was, of course, gone. However, the chair and floor were heavily stained. Possibly the source of the smell permeating the room.
Or again, it could all be in their mind.
Or the remains of the animal they suddenly spotted behind the desk.
The pain appeared. Spreading gently around to their temples.
Exactly what they'd been hoping for.
There was a chance they could influence what they would remember. Something they took into account as they looked about the room, thinking that their desire to know their parents is what spurred the memory of the lab forward.
'Let's see if it works.'
They focused on their question. Wanting knowledge of why Laun seemed a stranger in the first memory.
Sharp.
Shooting.
The electric sensation danced across their flesh.
Sparking up their spine until their muscles drew tight.
They'd not fight this one.
They would welcome it with open arms.
'We should sit.'
Their body slumped. Buckling harshly with a loud clatter into the cluttered desk.
'I guess that works.'
'D probably heard.'
Krista practically felt Rhea's shrug before Rhea grunted, 'I think that's best. Coulda done without the dramatic reveal, though.'
To this, Krista agreed.
Just as their vision wavered about the edges, they saw D's boot appear before them. The man crouching down and turning them to face him.
"Think you've found a way?" The tiniest little 'mraow' was his answer, and with a soft sigh, he lifted them into his arms. "I will be here."
Of course.
No matter what the Hunter had said, it was hard to not love him when he was like this. Caring.
But they wanted a family, damn it.
And he… didn't?
Likely not.
His face faded from view.
They were back in the study.
Smaller.
And it was handsome. Woods dark and pretty. Well organized but a mess all the same. And then… Mama. Donned in clothes meant for riding a horse. Dark curls bouncing as she strode into the room. Picking them up without a word.
"Where are we going, Mama?"
"Remember that place we took you to in the tree?" she asked as she tread down the hallway.
"But… the sun's up."
"I know." She kept moving. Pausing only long enough to steel her nerves. "But that's where we must go."
"You'll burn!" the girls shrieked, struggling in her suddenly too-tight grasp. "You can't!"
"Hush!" And with that order and another unneeded breath, she dashed out the backdoor and headed for the trees. Biting back a screech of pain as her skin alighted like dry grass on a windy summer day.
Just as quickly, it was over. Body shaded by the tall trees.
The girls whimpered pitifully. Still able to feel the phantom heat that licked along their body. But they couldn't imagine how it felt to actually be the one on fire.
It was a long while before Charice moved. Fingers clutching the girls just a bit too hard as she ran. And once they reached the tree, she leapt into the open shaft.
The girls, of course, screamed. Stomach jumping into their throat as they fell.
But then it was over.
"Where's Daddy?" they asked. Sniffling. Terrified. "We're scared! Why are we here?!"
They couldn't understand why their parents were acting in such a way. Why their father came out at their cry looking devastated yet determined.
"I have everything ready."
Into the room with the chamber they went.
"Mama? Daddy? What are we doing?"
Their father said nothing. Taking them from Charice and gently lowering them towards the blue liquid.
They started struggling. Clinging to their father's tunic and arms as he continued to lower them. "Daddy, we don't want to go in! It's scary!"
"I know, baby," he said as he cupped their cheeks. Pressing a scratchy kiss to their forehead. "I know. But you've gotta be brave. No tears. Just close your eyes and hold your breath. It'll be over before you know it."
"Daddy, please!"
"One…"
Their limbs were growing sluggish.
"Two…"
It was so terribly hard to hold one's breath when one couldn't stop crying. But they tried. Their body wasn't giving them much choice.
"Three…"
Down they went. Vision wavering and tinted blue as they floated.
They couldn't move.
Were they supposed to fall asleep?
They felt sleepy. But… it didn't come.
Their lungs burned.
It hurts.
They couldn't sit up to take a breath.
"Their heartrate is increasing. Oxygen saturation levels dropping."
There was a hiss that disturbed the water.
Nothing happened.
"Krista Rhea, you need to sleep."
They were trying, yet it didn't help.
"Suta, if we don't hurry…"
"I know. I'd just rather them not be awake for this."
"We might not have any other choice."
A long pause.
"Baby, I know you don't want to, but breathe in the fluid."
They didn't have much choice. Their lungs felt aflame and small convulsions were taking hold. Forcing them to suck in a lung-full of the liquid. And immediately, their body attempted to eject it.
It was painful.
They felt like they were drowning.
"It's okay, baby. It'll pass soon. You just gotta deal with it for a minute."
They didn't want to 'deal with it'.
They wanted to be in their room. Playing.
"And once everything is over, we'll lock this memory up. You won't ever know it happened."
They didn't want it to happen at all.
"Suta? Are you sure you found a way? I don't want to run the sequence if you haven't."
There was a sigh. Their father sounding so terribly despondent as he said, "There's only one thing I can try. And if they die, then perhaps it is for the best. They will never have to see just how ugly this world can be. And they can never be used again."
They didn't want to die…
"I hate that you're right, Suta." A long pause, broken only by the clacks of keys and hums of machines. "And, we're starting."
Of course, they couldn't see what was happening. Could only stare towards the ceiling.
It tickled.
Felt a bit like a thousand tiny spiders were crawling over their body.
It prickled.
As if their entire body had fallen asleep and was waking up.
It stung.
The spiders were angry.
Biting them.
Eating them.
"Suta!"
Their mother sounded terrified. Voice wavering.
But they still couldn't look.
Eyes glued shut through the pain as the liquid around them vibrated.
Maybe they were the ones shaking.
Unraveling in this tub of fluid at their parents' behest.
"Suta, you mustn't touch it!"
Their voices sounded so far away.
"There's not much choice."
The liquid shuddered roughly.
And then… quiet.
No pain.
No jittering.
There was nothing.
"If you listen hard enough, sometimes you can hear the Earth whisper back."
'The Earth can't talk.'
"Listen."
They were trying.
There was nothing.
"My God! Suta!"
"I'm fine. Check their status."
He sounded far from fine. Voice trembling and so very meek.
"Mahisuta, you are not 'fine'!"
"Charice, please!"
Silence.
Eventually, a soft sigh.
"They're pulling back together. Everything is… normal."
The chamber shuddered, and it was only then that they could force open their eyes. Lids feeling a pound heavy. But they did it, and they could see their father propped against the glass window. Hair painfully pale.
"Suta, what did you do?"
He laughed, twisting just enough to return their gaze with a sad smile. "I gave them what Mother wouldn't. I force-fed their connection. And it was just enough to root them. Now, she has no choice but to see them."
He turned away.
"Suta… their hair."
"I know."
'Our… hair?'
They couldn't see it.
What was wrong with it?
"Let's get them out and cleaned up. They'll be here soon. And while they may know we have a lab, I don't want those radars to see us here. Don't want them to actually know where it is."
Their mother moved quickly. Plunging her hands into the viscous fluid to pull them out. And once in her arms, they retched violently. Purging their body of the liquid that seemed to seep into every orifice. Chest convulsing until they could pull in their first breath of air and cough up the rest.
Everything hurts.
And through their teary vision, they finally caught a glimpse of their hair.
Hair that was white.
Gradually becoming crimson.
Then black.
"Our… hair…" they croaked. Gently fingering the wet locks.
"It's okay, baby," Mahisuta whispered. "Let's get you home."
And home they went. At a pace that was almost leisurely.
It felt like a death march.
The trees they'd found so much comfort in suddenly seemed to loom over them. Menacing. And once inside, with their mother recovering in the kitchen, Mahisuta cleaned them up.
He dried their hair. Put them into a pastel pink sundress. Changed their shoes. And pulled them into his lap. Squeezing as if he'd never have the chance again.
"I love you, Rhea. I love you, Krista."
They nuzzled into his chest, whispering, "We love you too, Daddy."
"Now, close your eyes."
They did. Opening them as soon as he pressed his hand to their chest.
"No. Keep them closed. Just like Grandpa has you do."
Oh.
They took a deep breath and closed their eyes.
"Once I do this, you'll forget Laun and Deedee."
"We don't wanna—"
"I know…" he interrupted. "But for their safety, you must. Even if it is just for a little while."
They said nothing. Upset, but realizing they would not be getting out of this.
"You'll forget what happened today."
This they were okay with.
"I'm sorry you had to experience this. And I'm sorry for the life you will have. All I hope is that you had a good life with us. And always know how deep our love for you runs."
"We will."
They woke up.
Head throbbing. Body aching.
It was already fading. Like a bad dream.
They pushed their hair out of their face. Feeling as if something was off about it, but unable to put their finger on why.
Slowly, they stumbled out of the bed and pitter-pattered their way to the kitchen.
Dinner was in the midst of being cut up. But no one was there.
They stood on their tiptoes to peer out the back door.
'Why's Daddy messing with the barrier?'
They turned to look around for their mother. Moving through the living room towards the front of the house. "Mama?"
The entryway was empty. But it felt welcoming and homey.
"Mama?" they called again. Taking a moment to admire the round clusters of purple and pink flowers in the vase.
"What did Mama call these? Rode… Rode-duh-doo… Ron-rons?"
"Din-druhns?"
"Close enough. Now, where's Mama?"
The memory started to stutter. Flickering in and out as the woman they sought appeared and grasped their hand to lead them down the hall.
Finally, it disappeared entirely. Dropping them into darkness and giving them back their 'adult' mentality. Something they were eternally grateful for.
They absolutely had not wanted to relive that memory.
Without thinking about it, they squeezed the object in their hand. Filled with a warmth they couldn't describe when it squeezed back.
Unsure if he would hear them in the void, they whispered, "Thanks, D." Praying he would understand just how much they appreciated him.
Wondering how he'd managed to interrupt the memory.
Unwilling to look a gift horse in the mouth.
But… they felt the phantom hand carefully stroke the back of their hand. A reassuring gesture. One that acknowledged their gratitude.
Slowly, everything began to fade until they stared up at the Hunter. Smiling as best as they could as they squeezed his very tangible hand.
They had their answers.
It'd only taken a boatload of bullshit to wade through to reach it, but they had it.
They were… definitely not natural.
"Your existence is an affront to nature. You have no purpose. But we will grant you one, once more."
A decidedly nasty chill curled up their spine. Fur bristling.
Yes. They'd discovered they were indeed an affront to nature. Because nature did not 'engineer' its creations.
"You are not."
Then what were they?
He did not answer.
How could he?
He knew they weren't natural. And simply saying they weren't wasn't enough to change the fact that they were.
Their eyes watered.
Nothing was really as they expected or hoped for.
D explained to Laun the reason the girls had not remembered him. He appeared sad yet understanding. Staring upon the notes of the genetic manipulation.
The girls sat at the head of their old bed. Gripping the bit of crimson hair upon their head and staring at it. Attempting to imagine it the pale white they'd seen in the memory and wondering why their father's actions would foster the change.
It was futile, of course. They couldn't remember it. But, as they ran their hand through Erembour's fur, they still tried.
As for the Hunter?
He eventually settled himself on the edge of the bed. Within touching distance of the girls, but ensuring they had their space.
He'd said nothing, but that niggling thought that he'd forgotten something or was not connecting something was there. More insistent than before. Practically shoving at his brain.
'Want some help digging for it?'
They would see. For now, he'd simply attempt to do it himself.
Just as he began dipping into his mind, he was pulled from his thoughts by the girls crawling into his lap. Curling about his abdomen with a soft snuffle.
Didn't seem his attempt to dissuade them would necessarily do as intended.
He supposed that was their choice.
But… he also supposed they simply needed the comfort.
Krista was such a touchy-feely person. Heavily reliant upon touch sometimes. Where Rhea was in the same boat to an extent, not nearly as much.
But now, they both needed it.
Needed to know that everything would be okay.
That they weren't complete abominations.
Would they at least allow him to move further onto the bed?
He pushed himself towards the headboard, and with a groan, they sat back long enough for him to settle against the white wood. Immediately nuzzling into his stomach with a quiet purr.
Perhaps now he could delve into his psyche.
'We're supposed to be distancin' ourselves.'
'I know.'
'Then why're we doin' this?'
Krista didn't have an answer. Opting to twist about in his lap and stare up at his face.
'It should be a crime for him to act like this and tell us to not love him.'
Rhea wholeheartedly agreed.
They hadn't even thought about their actions before crawling into his lap. Had simply done as they wanted. Knowing it would help them feel better.
Sure, they could draw comfort from themselves.
But they wanted him.
So quietly, curled about his side, they watched his eyes flicker beneath his eyelids to and fro. Wondering what he looked for.
Wishing they could just love him without all the stuff between.
They breathed in. Allowing his scent to wash over them and wondering why it hurt to think about it.
Perhaps it was as simple as remembering?
Another sniff.
'Shit. Why not try to remember this too?'
With a sigh, they did just that.
And in his corner, nestled amongst all the toys, Laun decided that if they could nap, he would nap.
He was in a small home. Deep in the rainforest. There for a job.
A woman with mousy brown hair that seemed tinted green in the sunlight ushered him into the camouflaged abode, tossing a bit of money at him, before darting for the door. Her having muttered about needing help, he'd thought nothing of it.
Now?
"Hey, wait! What's the job, house sitting?!" Hand called. The woman was already gone into the forest. Blending in more than should have been possible. "The Hell? Shit, just go after her! Or leave. I'm good either way."
He couldn't.
No. He didn't feel some strange obligation to stay just because she'd paid him.
It was far more than that. Something telling him to stay, because deeper in the home he heard movement.
Without any haste and as silent as a specter, the Hunter treaded through the small family room and into the hall. Down to the room where the door was cracked and glowing with a soft light.
A small, pale-haired child toddled out, giggling happily and spewing nonsense as she collided with his leg. Aqua colored eyes gazing up at him through pale eyelashes and equally pale curls.
She smiled.
Sort of.
The colors of her eyes swirled apart. The blue one appearing cautious. The green one shining with glee. And with a shy smile, in the sweetest little voice, she said, "Hi!"
"Hello, little one." He crouched down to their level. Finding it curious they were not immediately turned away by his presence. If anything, she was far too at ease with it.
"Where's GanGan?"
"I believe she's stepped out for a bit."
What else could he say?
"Where?"
"I'm not sure."
"Okay! What's your name?"
"D."
"Dee? That's a funny name."
Rude.
But why had he not asked for their name in turn?
Down the hall she went. Spinning and twirling to her heart's delight until she stumbled into a wall. Giggling and heehawing as she pushed herself up and away.
"So you'll play with us?"
"For a moment."
That moment dragged on for quite a few hours. The girl bouncing about and enjoying her new playmate. Never asking for a meal despite the hours passing by. Thrusting herself into his personal space on more than one occasion.
There was only one incident that drew him from the family room to step outside. Out of sight of the child. Staring up at a woman dressed in green linens as she clung to a nearby tree.
"Ah. The Dhampir. The Hunter. Such a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
He couldn't say the same, but he held his tongue.
"There wouldn't happen to be a young girl in that home, would there?"
He still did not answer.
With a grin that stretched from ear to ear, her head swiveled about one-hundred and eighty degrees. Eyes that were too large for her small face scanning the trees. Twisting back to stare him down after a long stretch of silence. "Not going to answer, are we?"
Another stretch of silence.
Her sharp, angular nose wrinkled. "Hunter, it's not nice to ignore a lady."
"Leave," he eventually ordered, eyes narrowed upon her.
"Aw, don't be like that!" She cooed and trilled, dropping down to the ground. "I'm just here to check on the little child."
"And if there is no child here?"
"But there is." Her smile widened impossibly. Teeth sharp and glistening. "They thought they could hide her, and they are idiots for trying."
D watched as she leapt into the air and floated down. Staying out of reach of the Hunter. Yet attempting to appear threatening as she crooked a clawed finger. Revealing a hooked talon. "So give that old hag a message for me, yeah? Tell her that if they try that shit again, we'll come down and gut the lot of them."
This woman would be a danger if allowed to live.
In the blink of an eye, he drew his sword and closed the gap. Cleaving the woman in half.
She exploded. A thousand feathers dancing in the aftermath. Cutting and piercing whatever they happened to land upon, including the Hunter.
"So glad I used a proxy," her voice laughed. Bouncing about the trees with a hollow quality. "Remember what I said, Hunter. Ta-ta!"
Gone.
With a sigh, the man pulled the gleaming feather from his arm to briefly study. Eyeing the wire-like fluff along the quill. Now knowing why the woman took off.
A diversion.
An experiment.
And she'd known the Hunter would protect the child.
Back in the home, the child waited. Eyeing him intently as she sniffed. "You're bleedin'. Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine."
All was silent as he settled in the chair facing the entrance and the girl continued to watch him.
"You need a napkin?" she asked after a long while.
"No, but thank you."
"But you're bleeding!"
Silence as the girl slapped a hand over her mouth and stared at him with a terrified expression. As if she couldn't believe she'd yelled at him.
"Sorry!"
"You're concerned."
She nodded. Creeping close as he pushed up the sleeve on his wounded arm. Revealing…
Nothing.
It was, as he expected and knew, free of blemish.
"Oh! You're like Mama and Daddy!"
And with an anxious smile, she patted his arm and attempted to plant herself in his lap. Struggling because he was not helping in the slightest. But after a bit, she curled into his side in the chair, nose in his coat. Content to wait there until her 'GanGan' reappeared.
It was a long while before she did. Her appearance haggard and strained as she collapsed into the empty chair and began removing twigs from her hair.
"Hi, GanGan!" the girl shouted. Waving from the Hunter's lap.
"Hello, dear."
"Where'd you go?"
"I had some… errands to run. But, would you mind running in yonder for a bit? I would like to speak to the Hunter for a moment."
"… Okay." And looking rather reluctant, she dropped down and wandered off into the other rooms.
It was only once the woman was sure the girl was gone that she sagged. Rubbing tiredly at her eyes. "Did anyone show up, Hunter?"
"Yeah," Hand bit out. "Might've been nice if you'd have said what we were doing before you hauled ass."
"Yes. I should have."
Silence.
"What did they say?"
Softly, he recounted what was said. Watching her earthy colored skin pale terribly. However, when he offered the continuation of his services, she denied them.
"No. It is not yet the time. And we have no leads on where the leaders are. We had just hoped to prolong the inevitable. See how well they could track her whereabouts." Now, she smiled. A sort of sad look that was filled with a twisted humor and a faint hope. "We can't afford to keep you from your work for years. Besides, I'm sure you will find yourself dealing with this later in life."
"If that is your wish."
"It isn't, but it is the only option."
"There are always other solutions."
"Not this time."
And pushing the rest of the money into his hands (with no room for argument), she ushered him out the door. Mentioning that she needed to get the girl home.
A handful of weeks later, when he happened to be passing by after another job, the house was destroyed. With no sign of the woman who'd hired him anywhere on the property. To himself, he thought he should have stayed. Despite the woman's misgivings.
Damn it.
His dark eyes flickered down to take in the girls. Watching as they awoke with the brightest (and most terrifying) smile he'd seen in weeks. Wiggling happily as they attempted to pantomime what they were thinking. What they'd seen.
He cupped their temple.
It only took a moment to see it was the same moment in time, just from their perspective.
With a thoughtful hum, he relaxed against the headboard. Keeping his palm in place against their head. "Strange, the things we forget."
"Mroaw?"
"I took you without a solid reason for my actions," he started. "I was curious, true. Perhaps I recognized you in some capacity. Now, it seems we were fated to come together."
The girls smiled up at him. Perplexed, but so painfully ecstatic. And despite the lack of connection between them, he could hear their voice faintly whisper, "You smelled nice then, too."
They thought of the memory for a second time. Thinking of the comfort the man's scent brought them then. Not entirely aware of what had happened, but knowing there'd been danger and he'd sent it away.
"What I would like to know," Hand said, "is how they managed to piss away eleven years of your life."
"That has a fairly simple answer," Laun murmured.
They turned to watch him lurch out of his 'bed'. Covering a toothy yawn with the back of his hand as he took a seat on the edge of the bed. "Pardon me."
"So, what's this simple answer, boy?"
He chuckled humorlessly. "Plenty of cover-up and too much time in the chamber."
"What happened?"
The checks were easy enough to manipulate. Once the family had stopped attempting to flee, regular checks were done using a device locked to the girls' essence. So long as everyone happened to be in a windowless room, there was no chance they'd be seen.
But after they'd begun running into complications, longer and longer stints had been needed in the chamber. Reminders to be at the house at least for a week.
On missions ordered by the Council, when they had a bit of personal time and no one to track them, they'd returned to their extended family. Helping in any way they could. Providing as much insight as possible.
Sadly, those times became more difficult to come by.
And eventually, when it'd been close to collection time but still too soon, the girls had been spotted outside. Too young.
A breach in the contract the family was unwillingly forced into.
Feeling they'd waited long enough and now forced to wait an extra decade, they decided to take the child and remove the parents from the equation.
Seeing the barrier come online had merely been a convenient excuse.
Now, Laun understood why the family had not run.
True, he'd known running and hiding proved impossible before. But… he'd hoped. And now also understood they'd probably stayed to prevent complications with them.
Yes.
If the family had run, the Council would have looked for a mole sooner.
Erembour came dragging in a large animal. Huffing when it attempted to skitter out the door.
It was no stag. In fact, he wasn't sure what it was. But he was sure it was tasty.
"… want some?"
The girls pounced at the opportunity. Wrapping the creature in their arms and watching it calm almost instantly.
It was still heartbreaking. But while they detested taking the life of the creatures they ingested, they had little choice.
And they were absolutely ravenous.
They hesitated.
"… go ahead. Do the suck."
They did.
From across the kitchen, Laun continued with his business. Mixing water and one of his capsules in a glass that had been pitifully dusty before tipping it back. Grateful the Hunter spared some of their stored water. And while he was aware the man was likely not hungry, he called out to him.
When he appeared, Laun held up his supply of supplements. "Would you like some to tide you over? I believe you said Eddie was bringing some, so you'll not put me out any. I will warn you, however, that they are stronger than what is typically made."
The Hunter came close. Eyeing the mug before asking, "May I?"
"Of course!"
And from across the room, the girls passed the animal back to Erembour to clean and start ingesting. Turning to avidly watch as the Hunter took his first sip of the Noble's supplement.
It was… entrancing.
His eyes fluttered open. Irises shining like glimmering rubies as he studied the contents of the glass. Looking, to them, absolutely ravenous despite his recent meal. But if he did take the offer, perhaps they would satisfy him more than the others.
D passed the glass back as he agreed to take the supply. Enough to tide him over for quite a while.
And to them, Laun offered the same glass. "Dear, would you like to try?"
Did they?
They weren't so sure. Not after how the last supplements treated their belly.
Cautiously, they looked to D for guidance. Waiting for his suggestion.
"A small sip should not bother you."
They tried it.
And nearly bit through the glass. Jaw almost reflexively biting down. And they felt ashamed. Slinking away, back to the animal and Erembour.
Without a word, Laun finished his meal before beckoning for D to follow. Cracked glass cradled in his grasp as he strode down the hall. Out the gaping crater that served as the entrance. And there in the front yard, he waited. Rolling the glass to and fro.
"What is it?"
He jumped. Startled. Twisting about to stare at the Hunter.
"Regarding the girls, I have a few questions."
He nodded. Signaling Laun to continue.
"Are the girls… alright?" he asked after some time. "This entire two and a half weeks we've been together, I've not seen them shift back. It is concerning."
Now, the Hunter's brow furrowed. Arms crossed over his chest as he murmured, "My warning upset them. They've not been able to shift back since." At the dark look crossing the Noble's face, D explained, "I advised them that their love for me is unwise because it is unlikely I will ever settle down. And the family and future they desire is not probable with someone who will not be present."
And out went the wind from his sails.
How could he argue that point?
"Do you know the way to Mahisuta's tribe?"
"I do."
"Good." Laun nodded slowly. "Good. They will be able to help them, I'm sure."
One could hope.
As the sun rose above the trees and Laun slept in his nest, the girls moved. Feeling decidedly lonely and needy.
Thankfully, not 'if I don't get pet now, I might combust' needy. But still.
They wanted what they'd denied themselves.
They wanted D.
But instead of stopping at his side and curling up, they moved on. Past the sleeping Dhampir. Through the living room. And out into the front lawn. Staring up at the flaming turf and trees. At the ashes dancing in the air.
At the creature floating above the rainforest. Belching gouts of flame and spitting globs of plasma. Limbs and neck long and fragile looking. Skin pearlescent and hair an iridescent violet.
If it weren't for the overwhelming heat and destruction, the girls might have said that it was a beautiful sight to behold.
And in a way, it still was.
Powerful.
Dangerous.
Breathtaking.
Enthralled, they watched. Realizing too late that they were no longer by their old home. They were watching a town from a distance be incinerated. Just another one on a rapidly growing list.
Thrown to the wayside as the mercenaries searched and scoured.
"Where are you, little spark?"
The voice, breathy and ethereal, washed over them. Hauntingly elegant. And yet…
They wanted to run away. More than they had when confronting the potato, Gif Tier Ig.
"Your destiny calls, little spark. Hiding only prolongs the inevitable."
The woman? Man?
The creature.
It lifted a three-fingered hand. Flowing robes following the graceful movement.
"I feel you watching. So heatedly."
They were closer now. Almost as if being pulled in.
Upon his face, almond-shaped eyes snapped open. Black as pitch and intense as they stared into the amber horizon. Towards them, but not entirely.
"Come to me. Reveal your position. I've been calling for you for too long."
The girls yowled in panic. Flinging themselves away. Out of his reach.
"Oh, little spark. How timid you are."
Timid? Perhaps. But maybe they were just being smart.
What good would it do Laun to reveal where they currently were? It would only leave the Noble in a nasty position.
And what a nasty position they were currently in.
"Little spark, running away. Letting the innocent burn."
They couldn't listen!
"It's alright. I will find you, little spark. Then, we will see what your Hunter is made of."
The girls practically snapped into wakefulness. Heart pounding and breath too warm. Aching much like they had when they first met D.
Laun still slept.
Erembour eyed them inquisitively.
And D silently observed. Not arguing in the least when Krista Rhea came scrambling off the bed and planted themselves in his lap. That strange heat warming the air around them.
They did not ask for his hand.
Did not ask for more than that spot in his lap as they hunkered down.
Looking decidedly ill as they huffed and puffed.
He could practically feel their determination spike. Padded and clawed fingers digging into his thighs. Heat spiking as they curled there.
"You shouldn't force it."
And then… he realized they weren't.
That this change was dragging them back into their typical form as painfully as physically possible. Whether they liked it or not.
Yes, now came the cracking as their bones shrank into place. The breathy wail as their lungs were squeezed and their face reshaped. Furred flesh sloughing off into his lap.
Perhaps a transformation was more painful when stuck in one form for too long?
And despite the pain it brought, the Hunter could honestly admit that it was pleasant seeing the girls come back to their Human form. That he'd missed their physical voice.
Well… a physical voice not limited to frantic feline noises.
Steadily, over the course of the next fifteen minutes, they shrank in his grasp. Dwindling into a form that was much more conventional and holdable.
Much more familiar with black-tipped curls framing their slack face as they slept once more.
They still felt so warm.
With them bundled in his arms, he settled them amongst the rumpled bedding and took his place beside them. Knowing by the way their arms tightened that they'd not be releasing him any time soon. Not that he couldn't easily remove them. But…
He had no desire.
And if he wanted to keep them at a distance, he could simply remove himself before they awoke.
By the time the sun set on the western horizon and the girls were rousing, he was still there. No longer in their hold, but by the bedside.
Watching.
"Well… good morning?" Krista mumbled sleepily. Rubbing at bleary eyes that refused to focus.
"Good evening."
She didn't move, but her eyes were bright. A slow smile spreading across her face. "We need to stop getting stuck."
"I'd rather never do it again."
"Same!"
And together, they clapped their hands. "D! We need more training!"
That was… sudden.
"Teach us how to be fire resistant!"
"I… That's not what we need."
"Yes, it is!"
"No, it's not. What we need is to just disappear. But also, fight better."
"Why fight better if we're just gonna disappear?"
"Girls."
They stopped, turning to stare not at D, but at Laun as he sat up and looked them over with a soft grin.
"It's very nice to see the Human you after all these years. You've grown well."
Their cheeks flushed. And while they felt they should feel flattered, they weren't sure they did. At least, not entirely.
"However, that is beside the point." He waved his hand as he stood. Murmuring, "What's all this about needing to be fire retardant?"
Briefly, they explained the dream. Describing the willowy being drifting in the updraft caused by the flames. And for Laun's part, he was utterly baffled. Speculating on who this mystery 'person' was. Besides someone not meant to be trifled with.
"There were quite a few that I was forced to contact. This one, however, I've not ever heard of."
They weren't sure if that bothered them more or not. But they knew that everything would be fine.
It had to be.
Running wasn't an option.
Neither was dying.
Laun opted to stay at the home to await Edmont, clutching his transmitter that had begun receiving messages. Looking hopeful despite everything that'd gone wrong as everyone who'd kept him company over the past few weeks bid adieu.
The girls could honestly say that they felt a tad… sad? Remorseful?
Even if they could not yet remember him well, there was some part of them that loved him and wanted to see him happy. Safe.
A part of them that didn't want to leave the comfort of his presence.
But… it was time.
Edmont was on his way. Ever careful to ensure he wasn't being followed. And they needed to find the girls' grandfather and the facility the man had fled. Now having an idea of where the latter lied.
For them, it would likely take another month or more.
Edmont was lucky that he had the ability to travel as the crow flied. Still giving him a few weeks of travel, but cutting his travel time drastically because he wouldn't be traveling to Hell and gone before hitting his final destination.
The girls supposed they were also a tad sad that they would not be able to see Edmont before going on this adventure.
There wasn't much to be done about it, however. They'd already pushed it out so very far.
They had to go.
The girls just wished they could convince themselves of that.
"We will see them again."
Would they?
They hoped so. And even as they nodded, they weren't so sure he was right. Terrified that their fears would come to fruition. That life was out to screw them over in any way possible.
With a soft cluck of his tongue, D nudged the horse forward. Ensuring that all in his party were accounted for as they began their journey south, once more.
It was a nice night, otherwise. Moon high in the sky. Stars twinkling and shimmering like scattered gems. Air pleasantly cool against their bare flesh. D wonderfully warm against their back.
Everything was strangely… okay.
They just… still weren't sure how they would deal with the fire person. Honestly, they'd barely dealt with Gif Tier Ig.
'You dealt with the potato.'
True. But…
They looked down at their arms and hands. Still moderately discolored.
A glaring testament to Krista's stupidity and inability to think things through.
'Not true. At least, not always.'
That didn't necessarily make her feel better.
'Sorry. The only thing I'd've done different is the fingerin' part.'
Yes. Not her proudest moment. Nor was it one she wanted to repeat. Not when it made her feel so… dirty.
Slowly, they craned their neck around to observe the Hunter. Terrified to look. To not look.
The mark was gone. Absolutely no trace of it marring his handsome face.
They should feel relieved.
But they'd never seen one that suddenly decided it wasn't needed anymore.
Life was unpredictable.
Things were changing.
Hopefully for the better.
And until proven otherwise, they would strive to believe this because they refused to live their life in fear of the things that could or could not happen.
And they would strive to remind themselves that they needed to distance themselves from the Hunter. Even if they had no desire to.