Now with Hero sniffing around our business, I had to bench out on commissions. And as much as I understand the importance of that...it still irked me. It meant i couldn't investigate my birthmark or who hired Disappear without gaining suspicion. So I headed to the gym to take my frustrations out. To which that actually scared some people away because I got a little too rough with the punching bag. Well...almost everyone.
"Having a hard time bro?" I looked up to see Anton, "Yknow I've never seen yah this worked up before. Hope you aren't stressing yourself out. It's not healthy for the mind and don't forget people care too!"
...Why does this guy always pop up nowadays? I keep bumping into him on sixth street more often now. Though I'm not complaining. He's actually fun to hang with. Safe to say we've grown into quick friends already.
"I'm fine Anton. Just a lot going on..." I sigh.
"Yeah? Well air it out on me! Me and my bro got good listening!" Anton says proudly, his drill "bro" whirring in agreement.
...do i really wanna tell him everything that's been happening? I guess I got nothing to lose. So I explained a little. Ok maybe a lot-
Anton listened though, "That's pretty intense...how about I help you research? Better with other bros than just by yourself! 'Sides you have more time now!"
"Uh...you sure? I mean I'm down for some help but you're usually so busy..." I said sheepishly.
"Nah it's cool. Got the day off! Cmoooon don't leave me hanging! I'm already fired up and ready for some action...!" Before i could answer, he was already dragging me to my place.
"ACK- AT LEAST GIVE ME A WARNING-" I shouted.
Eventually we went straight to the books, researching everything we could find. Informational books, non fiction books, books on strange markings, even historical books. I just needed to know more about this birthmark!
"Hey whatcha guys doing here?" Billy randomly appeared, looking at one of the books, "This a book club...?"
"Hm? Nah just a little research on my mark" I point at the line of stars on my collarbone, "Remember it absorbed the data chip? Just wanna know what's up. Also this is Anton. He wanted to help."
"Yo! Wanna help a couple of bros out?" Anton asked.
"Oooooh heck yeah sign me up! But...why not just look at this book?" Billy motioned to the fairytale book he was holding, "I mean it has similar marks..."
"Yeah but...it's a fairytale. Hell I still remember it. It's about two dragon gods of all light and darkness in a doomed love that ended in a never ending war. Choosing select ones to be their soldiers..." I shrugged, "Think their names were Universia and Galacnix..."
Anton sniffled, "T-That's so tragic bro...what if your rival was your bro?!"
"Yeesh. Didn't think it'd be that harsh! But...now that you mention it. Isn't it a crazy coincidence that you're a dragon thiren and WITH a mark of a chosen soldier?! So cool!" Billy said.
Anton peeked at the book, "Huh...actually yeah. That's pretty spot on. There's even some...spell to reach out to the successor...? How the heck is that possible?"
"What...? Let me see that!" I look at the book, "...this looks like some paranormal shit."
Billy looked excited, "You should totally give it a whirl!"
"You know DAMN well I don't fuck with paranormal shit! No demons, no witches, no ghosts, NADA-" I huffed, "Besides what if it doesn't work...? Then what?"
"Weeeeell we wouldn't know until we try bro! We'll be right here tah back you up!" Anton said energetically.
Before I could say no, they both gave me puppy dog eyes. How the fuck can Billy even do that...? HELL WHY ARE BOTH OF THEM SUCCEEDING-?!
"OK OK FUCK IM DOING IT-" I sigh and look at the book.
They watched in anticipation as I muttered the spell and closed my eyes. It felt...cold. Like a chill going down my spine. Were they still there? I looked around and it was pitch dark everywhere I looked. What the hell..? What's going on? I look around before hearing an eerie rumbling noise. I look up slowly, looking straight into the eyes of a large dragon shaped being of darkness look down at me.
"H-H-Hello...?" I said in a shaky tone.
The being examined me carefully, "...A soldier of Universia. Ah...I remember you. An unfortunate soul indeed."
"Huh...? What do you mean...? Do you...know about my mark? Why i keep seeing weird visions in my dreams...?!" I was anxious, "Please...tell me everything you know."
"...A soldier of Universia's are chosen on a path for light. And that is what you are. A pawn to be used as a righteous weapon against all darkness in the universes. Constantly being reborn in a new universe to solve its problems. In this case...this universe," The being looked down at me almost...in pity, "Those were not visions. They were memories of your past lives."
I went pale at that thought, "...you mean...I...don't even belong here? I used to have different lives...hell friends and families I never knew about?! But...Well I know I can't remember but I doubt I'd agree to a fate like that!"
"...you did not have a choice. Universia is a kind soul...but an irresponsible and neglectful being. I apologize on her behalf despite that barely being enough...i can barely recognize her anymore," The being leans close, "...And I'm afraid i have to give you a choice little one. As your loyalty is of importance."
That's when I look around to see two different scenarios in the dark. One where I choose Universia's side and the other being Galacnix's side. The light shows me being happy while the world looked beautiful compared to the usual dystopian city but I was all alone. The dark only showed shadows of sins hanging over my head...I looked pissed. Vengeful even.
"To choose the path of light, you would be a hero to this world. But that means abandoning all that you love to only focus on the virtues and what is good for the people...it is a lonely path. And self sacrificing. To choose the path of dark...you must be ready to rebel against everything. You would be protected...perhaps protect others. But will be seen as a monster regardless," The being then sighs as he shows another vision, "But if you choose no paths...It could mean chaos for all those in New Eridu."
"...but how is that fair? Even if I choose, it sounds like I'm screwed regardless!" I exclaimed.
I watched the last vision seeing the possibility of what happens if I screwed up or chose to be ignorant. I walked up to it to see my friends in the vision running away from the ever growing hollows trying to swallow them whole. Would this world be doomed if i didn't even try...? But this isn't my world to begin with!
"...I...I want to be on both sides! Everyone deserves to be happy! I...I don't remember anything about my past lives or the people i cherished there but I understand there's nothing I can do about it. Hell i doubt I made the right choices considering this is happening all over again. But...I don't want this! This place is my home now...my FAMILY. Nothing is going to change that and I'm going to protect them!" I got so passionate that i didn't notice I made my own vision, one where everyone is happy, "It isn't fair that only certain people can get that happy ending! And dammit if I don't have a choice but to accept this responsibility, I will take it and make my own path forward! I'm not sure how but I'll even make sure you get a good future too! No one should suffer from this...to be forced to choose just because of some destiny bullshit!"
The being was surprised seeing the vision...and surprisingly chuckled, "Ah I see. It seems these past lives have finally been useful. You're much more mature now...yet that unbreakable stubbornness still lives. It's almost frightening. Very well then. Then I shall deem you as an emissary of Unity. The bridge between light and darkness. But do understand this is by far the most difficult path...because even i know nothing of the possibilities ahead."
"Oh...so I'm fucked-? Actually no no. I already agreed. I'm not backing down. But uh...is help allowed or-?" I asked nervously, "Is that cheating or...?"
That big bitch rolled its eyes at me, "Eclipse incorporations. You can occasionally ask for help there. But do not expect warm welcomes. Nor expect any help without any kind of repayment of sorts. The agents there are opportunistic. They will help you if it benefits them."
"Ah...Ok fair enough. What uh...who should I ask for?" I asked.
"...Nix. Ask for a man named Nix." With that he started to fade away, "I'll take my leave but this will not be the last time we see each other. Good luck Emissary of Unity...you certainly need it..."
...
...
...
Spot was panicking as I wasn't waking up, "QUICK-! SOMEONE DO CPR-!"
"I got this! The starlight knights show had a segment for it-!" Billy said proudly.
"SOMEONE WITH A MOUTH YOU IDIOT-!!!" Bunny shouted.
I suddenly sat up right when Billy leaned in, making our heads clash, "OWWWW OW OW-!!! WHAT THE FUCK-?! ...oh uh...what's up?"
"YOU PASSED OUT AFTER MESSING WITH A BOOK SPELL AND ALL YOU GOT TO SAY IS WHATS UP-?! ARE YOU CRAZY-?!" Bunny shouted.
"B-Bro. We thought you died...! You were sleeping so deep, you barely flinched when me and that Billy guy tried waking yah-!!!" Anton looked freaked out still, "Yah feeling ok?!"
"I-I'm ok don't worry..." I said sheepishly.
"Honestly Lisa passing out like that is pretty normal..." Spot said, "But to not be waken up by cosmic brownies was worrying..."
I look at my lap, "Is that why I'm COVERED with them...?"
"My idea...ow..." Billy rubbed his head too, "Jeez you've got a thick skull-"
"If i didn't I'd fucking get a concussion on impact...!" I huffed.
Spot sighs, "Ok ok relax. Just...what happened?"
I think for a bit. How do I explain this anyway? Well I guess the truth is fine. So I explained everything I had witnessed during my time passed out.
"...wow. I think I hit her harder than I thought-" Billy said bluntly.
"IM BEING SERIOUS HERE-!!!" I sigh "Either way I wanna find out who's the Eclipse corporations..."
Anton looked shocked, "Uh...THAT company? I dunno bro...thats not exactly a trustworthy company..."
"Hm? How come?" I tilt my head.
"You don't know...?!" Anton looked bewildered, "Many people know them! They have so many connections and experienced agents...but they're dangerous ones. They're like...a mafia in a sense.
I blink, "...Like a fucking WHAT-???"
Why the hell is that dragon guy leading me to a mafia?!
The Victoria housekeeping kept the manor cleaned up. After all it was built deep within a hollow. The job was tedious but the employer was a regular to their business. Lycaon served the master his wine as he began his meeting.
"As you all know now, the girl is now officially the Emissary of Unity. Now I will not ask you to protect her nor share pleasantries. But I want her ALIVE and USEFUL for our occasional collaborations..." The man sipped his wine as he looked down at his agents with his infamous cold stare, "Do I make myself clear?"
His agents nodded and bowed their heads, "Yes Lord Nix."
"You are dismissed...except you Asil." Nix stared at her.
Asil sighs in annoyance but stays, "No killing her yet. I'm aware...unfortunately."
"You say that as if I don't know your rendezvous with Disappear in an attempt to lure her into a hollow to create an "accident". Smart thinking. Sloppy execution," Nix side eyes her, "Do not make it a habit. Understood?"
"...yes Sir" Asil glares at the floor before heading out.
"...Do you think I'm too harsh on them?" Nix asked.
"You have a reputation master. But I can assure you they understand your intentions," Lycaon answers simply.
Nix smiled lightly, "You always know what to say...perhaps maybe I've grown fond of this place after all. Or maybe that girl's words got to me" He chuckles, his deep voice filling the manor. "...she really is just like her."
Asil stomps down the halls with gritted teeth, clenching her fists, "I swear once I see that dragon bitch, I'll make SURE she's dead! It's all her fault that I'm stuck here. I don't get why people bother liking her and get in my way!
...I just want to get it over with."