A gentle hum echoed in the giant's ears. Not just that of the Rhodes Island ship crossing the desolate wasteland once more, the sun soft in the afternoon. But above all, the gentle roar of the oven turning in front of him. His gaze was lost in the emptiness, and now he was thinking of the last elements to set in motion the plan that would take him to kazimierz. It had been two weeks since they left Lungmen.
Ifrit: Dad?
It was the sarkaz's voice that brought him back to reality. He turned his head to look in the lower part of his quarters, at the sofa where the sarkaz was sitting next to Misha.
Sebastian: Yeah?
The timer he'd put on his bracelet chimed, indicating that it was time to remove what he had in the oven, turning it off and grabbing a cake tin with a cooking glove, which he placed on a rack.
Ifrit: What are clouds made of?
The giant sighed for a second, thinking of a way to explain such a thing to a child. Of course, he could have pulled out the classic "ask your mother", but he was worth better than that.
Sebastian: A cloud is a whole lot of little drops of water in the air. So small that they don't fall. When they gather, they become too heavy and become raindrops that fall...
Ifrit: Huh...
She seemed to have understood, so the giant sighed, just about satisfied, as he sprinkled powdered sugar over the chocolate cake he'd just unmolded. Attracted by the smell, or perhaps the noise, realizing that there was sweetness in the air, Ifrit got up from the sofa, stopping watching cartoons, and walked fox-like up to the kitchen table where the cake lay, raising her hand slowly to touch it.
*tchak*
So quickly that she didn't have time to see him, the giant swiped at the girl's hand with his dishcloth.
Ifrit: Ouch!
She held out her hand and looked at the giant frowning beside her.
Sebastian: Have you washed your hands, young lady...?
Ifrit: Uh...
Sebastian: You have to wait for it to cool down first.
He said, pointing to the kitchen sink where the little demoness went, bowing her head. Misha quickly joined her, taking care to wash her hands too. The young girl had the scarf the giant had given her for her birthday around her neck. She wore it all the time, and balked when she had to take it off so it could be washed.
Sebastian: How did the lessons go?
Ifrit: It was hard...
Misha: Miss Silence is very calm and explains things well... But I had trouble understanding at first...
Sebastian: Don't worry, it's normal, you've been cut off from education for a long time. It'll take some time to get back into the swing of things.
He began to cut his cake into slices as the two young women sat down at the kitchen table. Excitement showed easily in their young features, bringing an amused smile to the giant's lips.
Sebastian: Come on, help yourself.
He said, starting to put away the last of his kitchen utensils. Until he heard his office door open. The giant recognized the heartbeat as usual, but that didn't stop him from coming to see for himself.
Pramanix: Sebastian?
The young priestess had just arrived, holding a file in her hands, until her eyes fell on the giant, where her curious expression was replaced by immense joy.
Sebastian: Anya! What a pleasure.
The giant came down the steps to greet the feline, who threw herself into his arms. The two girls a little higher up watched the scene attentively. It was a gesture to which the young woman had become accustomed and to which the giant had adapted. After a moment that was always too brief for the feline, they parted. And Sebastian took a step back.
The priestess took a moment to look at his face, which radiated light. Well, even more than usual.
Sebastian: Is there a problem?
He asked, having noticed the importance the young woman attached to his face considering the fact that she was just staring at him.
Pramanix: N-no, it's just that you seem... Changed lately.
The giant looked to the side, aware of what she was talking about.
Sebastian: It's been pointed out to me, yes... How are you anyway?
Pramanix: I'm fine. The cruiser is so full of life when on the move, it's exciting.
She said, a big smile on her lips.
Pramanix: But the temperature... I'll never get used to it... I can't go out for more than a few moments...
She said, tugging at the collar of her thick wool sweater.
Sebastian: I can understand that. Especially since the wastelands of this region are particularly arid.
Pramanix: I came to submit my operator application. I've finally finished the selections.
Sebastian: Really? Congratulations.
He said with a big smile on his lips. One that more often resembled those Amiya used to sport than the giant. Of course, he knew full well that the girl had asked to join them, and that she would be accepted. They'd deliberately kept the standard of admission low, and yet they'd exceeded his estimates.
Pramanix: I know that Encia dropped them off to you earlier today, but what can I say... I ended up sleeping in...
She said, slightly embarrassed. Her bushy leopard tail hiding her blushing face.
If it weren't for the two girls a little further away, the giant would have grabbed the appendage and caressed it. But... not in front of the children.
Sebastian: It's far from serious, Anya. Rest is important. You need to get some. Put the file on my desk.
The young girl complied as the giant climbed back up the steps to his quarters and seemed to take care of something before coming back down. The feline could see that the giant had just put a slice of that chocolate cake for her in some paper towel so she could take it on the go.
Pramanix: Eh?
Sebastian: Have a slice. It's a gift. Besides, the two monsters won't eat it all of it.
Pramanix: No thanks... I'm trying to lose weight with my training...
Sebastian: Oh...
The giant seemed disappointed for a moment and immediately the feline reacted, telling herself she didn't want to spoil the chances she had with this man she loved so much.
Pramanix: B-but for you I'll make an effort!
She said, grabbing the sweet that had already cost her so much to refuse in the first place.
Sebastian: Good.
Pramanix: I'll have to go now, Doctor... I hope we'll meet again soon...
Sebastian: My door's always open. 'Even if it's mostly to keep Specter from smashing it. Seriously that girl should stop putting her perfume on my sheets.'
The feline set off with a light step. The clatter of her boots echoed on the ground. Perhaps she wouldn't be getting rid of her perhaps too generous curves any time soon. But at least she knew someone appreciated them...
And that her wide hips would allow her to carry their-
*Kshik*
The office door opened, letting in three other young women with white hair. Other operators Pramanix could recognize.
Three other competitors...
She walked through them without saying hello. She'd rather die. And left. The giant looked at the little group, surprised to see all three of them at once. Saria, Rosa and Irina.
Saria: Doctor.
Rosa: Sebastian...
Irina: Yo doc.
The vouivre didn't look at the giant any longer. Her gaze fixed on the imp, who stuffed one last slice of cake into her mouth before dashing towards the giant, leaping down the steps and running towards him to wrap her arms around his leg. The doctor patting her head.
Sebastian: Come on, Iffy. I've got to get back to work.
Ifrit: See you later, Dad!
She said before leaping towards the vouivre, the little girl always seemed to be full of energy, and the two quickly took off. Misha, as usual, descended calmly. Her unruffled silence always surprising.
Irina: Misha, can we go now?
The young girl hugged her father figure like the imp and returned to her sister.
Sebastian: Hi Irina, have you made arrangements for tomorrow morning?
Irina: Hm. Natalya agreed to keep her.
The giant seemed surprised for a moment, but kept smiling.
Misha: What is it?
Sebastian: Me and your sister are deploying tomorrow on an operation. We need someone to watch you. Thanks for this, Natalya.
Rosa: You're welcome, Doctor.
She said with a big smile.
Irina: Come on, let's go. I still have to take you to the hospital.
Misha: Bye daddy !
Irina left with her sister, the older sister merely waving her hand.
Though the doctor was pretty sure that if it wasn't for the young girl and Rosa she would have left saying the same thing as Misha but with much less pure intentions. Only left in the doctor's quarters where himself and the schoolgirl. Who looked at the doctor.
Rosa: She integrated quickly.
Sebastian: That's good. It's just surprising that you're among the friends, that she happened to make outside the team I had for Lungmen.
Rosa: Maybe. But I know she's not responsible for what happened to us. And as you so often say, the past is dead, only the future matters.
The giant laughed, slightly amused that the girl was using his own phrases against him. Then, feeling a little mischief fill him, his smile became much more devious as he looked at the girl.
Sebastian: Have you finished your homework yet?
Since Sebastian had taken over as his class teacher, Rosa was much less often available to work as his assistant, so Sebastian had asked her to join him when she had nothing left to do. And that included the ton of homework he was constantly giving as a backlash to the few hours of class they had.
Rosa: Almost. I lacked the inspiration to write about Mortica.
Sebastian: Ah yes. It's an original subject though, I thought it would help you.
The giant took a seat at his desk, while Rosa placed her satchel by the sofa and set to work as usual.
Rosa: It's true that we don't usually talk about other nations...
Sebastian: Hm the ursus educational program is too restricted. Otherwise you can ask Margaret, Meteor or even Gravel for help.
Rosa: Is it something so important for Kazimierzans?
Sebastian: He is a hero who has inspired many people.
Rosa: Like Yuri at home.
She said, looking up at him, and the giant almost choked on his coffee.
Sebastian: AH yes... Yuri of ursus...
Rosa: Are you alright Sebastian…?
She asked concerned of his reaction.
Sebastian: Fine, everything's fine... You told me you'd already met him, didn't you?
Immediately, a big smile appeared on the girl's face.
Rosa: Oh yes... Every year, Chernobog organized a grand ball. Me and my parents were invited, of course, as was the emperor, and most of ursus nobility, but sometimes nobles from other countries came, and one year I even got to see the princess of Sargon.
Sebastian: I heard she's one of the most beautiful and intelligent women in the world.
Rosa: You know better than to compliment one woman in front of another, right?
she asked, a slight smile on her face. The giant flinched, realizing his mistake. Until the ursine laughed.
Rosa: I accept it in this case... I'm rather confident in my own beauty... But she... She's breathtakingly beautiful. Far more so than any woman on Terra or any deity... Even women can't help but be charmed when they see her. But the princpal guest, Yuri, being the city's protector, was also there every time.
Sebastian: With his armor on...?
Rosa: Unfortunately, yes. I would have given a lot to be able to see his face... One year... He even gave me a dance... Good memories.
Sebastian: If you say so...
Rosa: Work seems to have calmed down over the last few days, though.
Sebastian: Rhodes is getting better and better. And with all the staff we're getting we're really starting to make an impact. And it also allows us to divide up the individual workloads.
The giant typed away on his computer until he received an e-mail from an address he didn't know.
Sebastian: huh...
The girl, intrigued by the doctor, got up and came over to him, leaning over his shoulder as he began to read the e-mail aloud.
Sebastian: Doctor Sebastian, it's with great pleasure that we join you to propose a new collaboration. As you may know, many of your operators have already been selected as models by us or various of our competitors. And in view of your growing popularity and your 'formidable'-looking physique, we'd like to invite you to join us.
The giant looked at the ursine, whose face was only a few centimetres away from his.
Sebastian: Really?
Rosa: Your muscles have muscles.
She said in exasperation. The doctor was sometimes quite humble.
Sebastian: It would be good for us if you were to be the next model in Coral Coast's upcoming summer range. Just as it would be good for you, in addition to the tacit publicity for your organization, you will be rewarded with a share of the magazines that will have your photos as covers, plus of course the right to keep the samples sent to you. Sincerely, Carl Lagër Field.
The giant seemed to step back for a moment. He remembered the discussion he'd had with Nearl on this subject a few days ago. Curious, he had asked other operators who had also done the same thing for fashion brands. After all, for some strange reason, almost all Rhodes Island operators were as beautiful as supermodels.
He turned to Rosa.
Sebastian: Isn't Coral coast the one that makes swimsuits?
Rosa: it extends to all summer clothing, but yes, that's what they mainly do...
Sebastian: So much the better. Free swimsuit. I've been dying to get at the pool...
He said before starting to type a reply on his keyboard.
Rosa: Just like that?
Sebastian: I don't really see any negative points, so banquo. By the way, I heard there was a big explosion in the imperial city. How are your parents?
The giant looked at the ursine as she moved away, and she gasped. She seemed to think about her answer for a moment.
Sebastian: Natalya, are you okay...?
He asked, frowning in concern for the young girl.
Rosa: Yes, my parents are fine... The explosion was far from the house, it just shook the windows...
The giant could hear the young woman's throat knot up towards the end of her sentence. He rose from his chair to walk towards her as she sat down.
Sebastian: Is something wrong?
Rosa: I...
The giant sat down beside her and put his hand on her shoulder. In a comforting way, he said, "I'm here."
Rosa: My father phoned me. He was against my staying here.
The giant frowned immediately. The girl clasped her own hands, a certain sadness showing in her features.
Rosa: I know I know... I lied to you when I said my parents agreed... But I would never abandon my friends again...
Sebastian: It's okay... I understand.
Normally, the doctor would have been angry to learn that the young ursine had lied to him. But he decided she didn't deserve his rage.
Rosa: The problem is that now my father wants me to come home. He'll pick me up on Monday in two weeks... But...
Sebastian: You don't want to leave.
The girl looked up at him, her heteroromantic eyes, an oddity to some, always beautiful to him. began to fill with tears.
Rosa: Yes... I don't want to leave Rhodes... I feel good here... I don't want to leave the others, Sebastian, I don't want to leave you... This is my home, much more than any palace in Ursus. This place is my home, my family. I have no desire to return to a country where I'm just another puppet in a macabre game of manipulation, gaslighting and brainwashing of those who weren't lucky enough to be born in an ivory tower like me and the norm. And where the persecution of poor sick people is just child's play.
A few tears streamed down her face as she looked at the giant. The doctor grasped the ursine's hands, trying to comfort her.
Sebastian: I'll help you, Natalya...
She squeezed the doctor's hands.
Rosa: You don't understand... What do you want to do against a duke of Ursus ? My father could be snapping his fingers and have an army surrounding this ship within the month... I wish Sebastian... That you could help me. But let's be realistic... What can you do...
Sebastian: Do you think that Ursus armies scare me Natalya?
He said with one of his big smiles on his face. A smile full of confidence.
Sebastian: I'll help you no matter what. If you consider Rhodes to be your family, then no one will let you go like this. I won't let you go.
The girl began to smile. She wasn't necessarily reassured... Logic wasn't necessarily impaired. But looking at this great idiot who thought himself capable of anything, she could only smile. She threw herself at the giant, taking him in her arms. The giant seemed surprised for a moment and then put his wide arms around the girl.
Sebastian's ears twitched as he heard a familiar sound from his office.
Sebastian: Kal'tsit's coming. You don't want her to see us like this...
He said, laughing slightly. The ursine gently let go of the giant, who rose to his feet. The door to his office swiftly opened as Sebastian settled back at his desk. Let in the feline with her usual icy air.
Kal'tsit: Doctor, I need to talk to you.
Her gaze rested for a moment on Rosa, the young girl startled by the doctor.
Kal'tsit: Miss Rostova.
Sebastian: Kal'tsit. Is there a problem?
Kal'tsit: I have some mail that was mistakenly brought to me when it was intended for you.
She placed an envelope on the doctor's desk.
Already opened.
Sebastian: You opened my mail...?
He said, visibly annoyed for a moment. Looking at Kal'tsit with the utmost caution.
Kal'tsit: When this one comes from the Iberian coast, I force myself on it.
The giant immediately frowned. After all, Kal'tsit too was closely involved with Aegir. The giant looked at the letter and took a few moments to read it.
Kal'tsit: Natalya, get out.
As the ursine prepared to leave, the giant beckoned.
Sebastian: She can stay, I trust her.
Kal'tsit sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation.
Kal'tsit: Well... You have agents infiltrating the Church of the Deep?
she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sebastian: Aegir is a danger to Terra and we both know it. My instinct tells me we'll have to face it sooner or later... So I'm already preparing the ground. That and the fact that we've acquired a small aegir population...
Rosa: Aegir...? A danger? Why is that?
The feline looked at the girl as if she'd just insulted someone, so her frightened gaze turned to Sebastian, who was calm.
Sebastian: You're noble. Do you know the story of the merchant from the wastelands who went to plead for peace in all the courts of Terra?
Rosa: About the many dangers?
Sebastian: He was right.
The young woman seemed shocked for a moment.
Sebastian: Is that all? Yes, I have agents in the Church of the Deep. As I have among the imperial court of Yan, the wendigos of the icefields and the court of the great Padishah and his daughter.
Sighing, the feline seemed unsurprised, knowing full well that the doctor was playing shadow games behind the scenes and that this was one of the main reasons why Rhodes Island suffered so little from the influence of foreign nations. Just as she knew the doctor wouldn't talk any more about it.
Kal'tsit: I also came to talk to you about other things. I've received many reports about you since Lungmen.
The giant gasped and frowned.
Sebastian: I've made a mistake...?
He feared he'd incurred the wrath of staff members in one way or another.
Kal'tsit: Many people have complained about feeling uncomfortable with you around since your return. This seems to affect the sarkazs even more, some of whom can't bear to even look at you, as it causes them pain.
Sebastian: It doesn't affect W though...
He said intrigued. Of course he'd suspected that something in his presence had changed. In what he radiated since he'd felt joined with her. But it made him ask a lot of questions inside.
Sebastian: 'Is she racist towards sarkaz...?'
...
Sebastian: 'She must be asleep.'
No, I'm not asleep. I am merely offended.
Sebastian: 'If you look at that.'
I'm not racist against sarkaz, my presence drives out hate and rage. My love drives away the darkness.
Kal'tsit: It's true, as it is for many other sarkaz. That's why I decided to open investigations with S.W.E.E.P. into those who felt this way.
Sebastian: Maybe that's a bit excessive...
Kal'tsit: Or perhaps necessary. Something else doctor...
Sebastian: What is it?
Kal'tsit: Did something happen? With Amiya ?
The doctor played dumb.
Sebastian: Nothing... Not that I know of.
Kal'tsit: She's been different ever since she came out of isolation.
The feline seemed worried about their protégée.
Kal'tsit: She's more... Proactive. Whether it's for Rhodes Island or on the field. She's going to the gym now.
Sebastian: Nothing to worry about...
Kal'tsit: She fights much more up front. I've seen her beat Blaze with her bare hands at the gym in a spar. She's changing doctor...
The giant looked at her as if she were an idiot. He was obviously hiding the fact that the vision and relationship between the two of them had changed profoundly.
Sebastian: It's called puberty Kal.
Rosa on the sofa laughed lightly.
Rosa: It's true that lately, Miss Amiya seems more self-confident and taller. Well, more mature... Not really…
The feline looked at the two, seemingly in doubt. After all, she didn't know what adolescence was like, either for having lived through it herself or for having raised a child...
Kal'tsit: Perhaps... I have work to do. Have a nice day, doctor.
Without further ado the feline left, and once the door was closed Rosa took a deep breath, having been taken aback by the feeling of fear the feline inspired in her. Her eyes went quickly to the giant, who had his arms crossed, seeming no more unsettled by this interaction.
Sebastian: She was in a good mood today and even wished me a nice day!
Rosa laughed lightly, before getting back to work.
A good two hours later, the two left the doctor's quarters, the girl stretching as fatigue gripped her body.
Rosa: I don't understand, it's a tempting proposition.
Sebastian: But you have to see who's offering it. One of the biggest mega-corporations in Kazimierz. With them there's no such thing as a win-win deal. So I might as well take a little less money, but make sure another village isn't destroyed to build another weapon factory.
Rosa: I see...
Sebastian: See you in the morning. I haven't finished my day.
The girl's eyes wandered to the large box he was holding.
Rosa: What is it?
Sebastian: A birthday present. For someone who was with me at Lungmen.
Rosa: You and your gifts...
She said with a slight smile, knowing the doctor's habit of unearthing personal gifts for each of his operators.
Rosa: Good evening doctor. See you tomorrow.
Sebastian: Good evening Nat.
The two set off in opposite directions as the giant walked down Rhodes Island's long corridors towards the elevators. Descending to the lower levels, some of which had been recently restored. Then, remembering something, he stopped at the hospital.
As he stepped out of the elevator, he could see that the hospital was as busy as ever, and that Folinic was examining someone on a stretcher in the corridor. Hearing the giant's heavy footsteps, the young woman turned around, knowing only one person to whom they could belong.
Folinic: Doctor.
Sebastian: Hi Louisa. I was just visiting some patients. Can you keep an eye on this for me for a few minutes?
He says, setting his box against the wall.
Folinic: Yes, don't worry...
The young woman returned to her duties without paying any further attention to the doctor or his box. The giant headed for the heart rhythms he'd been researching in the rest of the med bay. A few moments of walking through the corridors, people stepping back in fear at his gargantuan figure. The usual.
The giant got where he wanted to go. A large room with a huge bay window, sofas, TV, games. A pleasant place for the poor infected patients. He stepped inside, and just outside the front door could see Andreanna, leaning against a wall, watching a scene a little further on.
Sebastian: Andie?
Andreanna: Hi doc...
Sebastian: What are you doing here?
Andreanna: I was hanging out with Specter... As usual...
He knew that the young sniper was used to being around the other Aegirs. His gaze wandered to the center of the room, where there were only two young women. Skadi and Specter, one sitting next to the other.
Skadi: And how are you today...?
Specter: Hm hm... I finally figured out how to make the kind of pattern I wanted for my embroidery...
The nun seemed happy enough, but paid almost no attention to the other Aegir and what she was saying. As for Skadi, she looked sadly at her friend...
Skadi: And you still don't remember anything...?
Specter: Nothing more than usual.
The giant took just one silent step, yet the two young women began to feel his presence. Affecting even their souls. Skadi felt the deity in her head immediately fall silent, and Specter too felt a sense of calm pervade her.
Sebastian: Hi girls...
Skadi: Good evening, Doctor.
Specter: Good evening, my love.
The abyssal hunter frowned at Specter's call.
Skadi: She doesn't remember me...
She said, looking at Specter, who didn't seem touched by the immense sadness Skadi was expressing with her face, which was usually so inexpressive.
Specter: I'm sorry about that, my friend. Let's commune... perhaps that will comfort you...
Specter took Skadi's hand and they both closed their eyes, Sebastian feeling their psychic presence join. After a few moments, they opened them again. Skadi's eyes were brimming with tears, while Specter's expression was the same as ever.
Specter: Your presence... Is so familiar...
Skadi: You're broken.
It was a state of affairs that the aegir was aware of.
Specter: Perhaps... Surely even I am. But at the very least, I have someone to hold me together.
She said, her eyes darting to the emerald-eyed giant. Those eyes full of affection. The giant smiled at her.
Skadi: Is there any way to cure her...?
Sebastian: I don't know your biology well enough yet... So for now the only solution is for us to find a cure to oripathy.
Skadi: I'm sorry... Laurentina... It's my fault...
The nun took the young woman in her arms, who slowly began to weep in silence. The giant looked at Andreanna and beckoned.
Sebastian: I think it's for the best if we leave them alone for a while.
Understanding immediately, the sniper left the room with him. Feeling confident enough in the giant's presence, she removed her face mask.
Andreanna: How sad... To have almost no memory of your former life like this-
Realizing what she was saying, the aegir gasped and his gaze turned to the giant, who had a slight smile on his lips.
Andreanna: Sorry, that's not what I meant...
Sebastian: It's okay. Andie.
Andreana: Their communion was so powerful...
Sebastian: I don't know. I can't feel it unless I'm in contact with the person I'm communing with.
Andreana: Well, she was very powerful... For a normal aegir like me...
Sebastian: A normal aegir?
He asked, stopping his walk immediately and crossing his arms, causing the young woman to stop too, as a tiny bit of doubt began to creep in.
Did he know...?
Andreanna: What do you mean?
Sebastian: Compared to Weedy or the other aegirs, I've always found you rather strange.
The young woman could feel the sweat accumulating on her body.
Sebastian: You know I dig everyone who works for me. Even more so when they don't have a file before coming to Rhodes Island. So I contacted a few people in Iberia, including your mother.
Andreanna: You know... What I am...?
Her body trembled as she realized she was now facing her own lies.
Sebastian: Yes. But more importantly Andreana, I know who you are.
He held out his hand to the young woman and let his psyche emanate, offering her communion. Shocked at first, the aegir took his hand without delay. The look of kindness and gentleness he offered her, even though she knew where she'd come from... Who she was...
She knew she was a monstrosity and couldn't refuse the doctor, who seemed intent on imparting the same kindness as always.
Their minds met. Immediately, the doctor was assailed by the immense sadness of the aegir in front of him. Her resentment towards herself. She was an experiment. An abomination.
An attempt by a demonic sect bent on destroying the world to replicate monsters. The Church of the Deep's attempt to create an abyssal hunter who would serve them and their nefarious intentions.
A failed attempt at that. She had none of the traits sought after in abyssal hunters. Just restless nights caused by the nightmares of the experiences she'd undergone, and the whispers of legion.
That's why she stayed so much with Specter and Skadi... because they had succeeded where she had failed. She was fascinated by them, interested in them. For they were what Andreanna could have been.
This is what she conveyed to the doctor, and he, in all simplicity, was able to bring her comfort. To make her understand that she wasn't just an ill-conceived tool, but a person in her own right. Who was dear to him as to so many others. That it didn't matter what she'd been designed to do. All that mattered was who she wanted to be.
When she reopened her eyes and broke the psychic bridge, Andreanna had taken the doctor in her arms as hard as she could, and he was returning the gesture.
Andreanna: Thank you... so much...
The tentacles in her back began to grip the giant too.
Sebastian: You're welcome, Andie. Just... Could you please not leave mucus all over my clothes this time?
The young woman immediately retracted her tentacles. And let go of the doctor in embarrassment, remembering what had happened on her birthday.
Andreanna: S-sorry! I-I, it should be fine-
Sebastian: And how did you get ink on me last time...
Andreanna: It's just that I secrete ink when I'm too excited or stressed! N-nothing weird!
Realizing what she was saying and that she was getting in over her head, the young woman put her mask back on and took off running.
Andreanna: I'vleftapieintheovensorrybye!
In an instant, the young woman had fled. Leaving a giant behind who was particularly amused. At least he was sure the young woman would be all right.
And she hadn't left any marks with her tentacles on him. That was finally some good news.
The giant set off again down the hospital corridors, returning to the elevators where Folinic and her patient were standing, the young woman looking troubled.
Folinic: Doc, can you give me a hand?
The giant approached the young woman, greeting the patient.
Sebastian: Problem?
Folinic: Hm. There are internal concentrations of oripathy on this patient but I can't figure out where. His skin reacts badly to scans.
The patient was an archosaur, and antro, with scaly skin. The giant approached the patient and began to osculate him rapidly.
Sebastian: Any particular pains, sir?
Patient: Nah... All over... And the joints...
The doctor glanced at the young woman.
Folinic: I'm sorry sir, but we can't give you any treatment to relieve the pain, as we don't have a precise idea of your constitution and your illness... This man was a miner, it's osteoarthritis.
Sebastian: I don't think so.
The giant took his patient's arms and lightly palpated the elbows and ulnar fossae, as well as the finger joints. Then quickly the ribs near the sternum.
Sebsastian: Form 17. Concentration of oripathy granules in cartilage. This is not arthrosis.
The medic looked at her clipboard before staring into space for a moment, then seemed to light up.
Folinic: But yes...!
Sebastian: Don't just rely on scans, sometimes a few palpations can help.
Patient: Can I be treated now?
Sebastian: We'll take care of you, sir. Have a nice day.
Folinic: Thank you very much, Doctor...
Sebastian: You're welcome. It's literally my job.
Folinic: By the way, Sussuro came to give me this.
She took a small box out of her pocket and handed it to the doctor.
Folinic: All the lights are green. Of course, production will remain minimal.
The giant was surprised and instantly smiled, grabbing the medicine box.
Sebastian: Well...
Folinic was also smiling, which was quite rare for her. She took after her teacher in that aspect.
Folinic: And for your first creation since your return, a huge success. A good part of the medical department wanted to have a drink tonight for it. Are you into that?
Sebastian: Ah... I'm not sure. Exusiai and Mostima are coming back tonight from Laterano. I wanted to welcome them.
Folinic: I see...
She said, sounding slightly disappointed.
Sebastian: On the other hand, it might be feasible if we start after 21:00.
Folinic: Great. I'll let the others know. Have a good evening, Doc.
Sebastian: Good evening Louisa.
The giant took the elevator back to the newly reassigned parts of Rhodes Island. Away from the gaze of others, where Glasgow and the sarkazs who had been there before his amnesia had taken up residence. The doctor walked through the slightly more gloomy corridors of this part of Rhodes Island, and through a doorway into a large, open area.
The area resembled a vehicle bay, larger than the 4x4 bay that lay in the higher levels. That and the larger, wider ruined cranes made the doctor think it was a bay for heavy vehicles like tanks or the like long ago.
This was where Glasgow had settled in, after a few repairs to turn it into proper barracks.
Gangster: Ho, hi doc!
A gangster standing near the entrance as a guard greeted the doctor, raising his arm towards him, the giant responding with a fist bump.
Sebastian: Hi Trevor.
The doctor strode into the small Glasgow stronghold, spotting the faces of Morgan and Dagda who were a little further away engaged in an arm wrestle, while the rest of Glasgow was opening bets on the outcome of this confrontation. Indra, who was training on a punching bag, took a step to the side and could see the giant in her peripheral field. She stopped and waved to the approaching doctor.
Indra: Yo doctor what are you doing here?
The tigress asked, running straight to the giant to put an arm around him and heckle him as usual.
Lord, that tigress loved contact too much...
Sebastian: I'm here for the boss's birthday.
He said with a slight smile on his lips, his box still in his hand. Indra laughed.
Indra: Ah! I knew you'd know! Go ahead, she's in her room back there.
She said, pointing to a room at the back of the hangar. Towards which the giant moved without a sound. Arriving at the door, he knocked lightly.
Siege: Who is it?
Sebastian: Seb.
He heard things falling to the ground, the aslan running around and other things being moved.
Siege: Y-you can enter!
The giant opened the door and was greeted by a room in a dreadful mess.
Even worse than back in Lungmen...
Of course, the doctor could see and understand that she had tried to camouflage as much of the chaos as she could. But to little effect...
His emerald eyes landed on the young woman standing in the middle of the room, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment and not daring to look at Sebastian. The lions in the corner looked exasperated.
Then the doctor burst out laughing, further accentuating Siege's embarrassment.
Sebastian: Oh dear, I can't wait for you to have servants again...
Siege: H-hey Seb... I haven't had time to tidy up lately...
Sebastian: it's all right.
The giant placed the box on an empty cable reel which served as a table. Since their departure from Lungmen, it was rare for a day to go by without the two of them seeing each other. Even though they often met in his quarters.
He knew that cats liked to have several places to sleep, but Siege had taken to napping on one of his sofas.
Siege: What are you doing here?
Sebastian: Well, today's a special day, isn't it?
He said, a slight smile on his lips. The aslan raised an eyebrow.
Sebastian: Happy birthday Verna.
The aslan gasped before looking away.
Siege: You know my birthday...?
Sebastian: You can find it on the Internet. I wanted to come and wish you in person.
He'd gone so far as to look up her birthday and all the way here to wish her? Siege felt happy to see the giant there for her and smiled slightly.
Siege: Thank you.
Sebastian: You're welcome.
There was an old sofa against one of the walls on which the giant went to sit, seeing that Gawain was right next to him, the giant ran his hand through the beast's mane and making a few scratches he got purrs from the beast. The aslan's gaze landed on the box just a little further away.
Siege: What is it?
The giant smiled softly.
Sebastian: Go ahead and open it.
With uncertain steps, she walked to the wooden box. It was as big as her arm. Wondering what it could be, she realized as she placed her hand on it that it was a birthday present. No sooner had she thanked the doctor than she opened the box.
She froze and her eyes widened.
Sigh of kings pic
She lifted the object from the box and set the casing down, showing the gift to the lions and the giant in the dim light of the room. The beasts froze too.
Siege: The sigh of kings...
As her hand grasped the handle, she felt the weight of the sword. She could never forget it.
Siege: It's a replica...?
The object was of such high quality, and so similar to the original, that it took the aslan several seconds to remember that this was not possible and that the real object was locked away in the mausoleum of the kings. The aslan's eyes focused on the giant's emeralds.
Sebastian: Yes. I did my best with the descriptions I had in the history books to make it. I hope you like the result.
The young woman grasped the handle firmly and made a few slashes, appreciating the incredible quality of the object. Before practicing a few moves she knew by heart. The ones Sebastian had recognized when they first met. The signature Victorian style of the royal guard and family.
After a few moments, the young woman placed the object back in its case with the utmost delicacy.
Sebastian: Happy birthday Verna.
She only glanced at the man, to see him with that honest smile on his lips. His big emerald eyes filled with the love he seemed to have for everyone and everything.
Why was he so good... why did he seem to love everyone around him so passionately? She admired him. Siege was well aware that she admired the doctor, for his qualities, the endless love he seemed able to deploy in everything, and his humility.
She walked towards the doctor, who stood up expecting a hug in thanks from the lioness. But Siege leapt at him, wrapping her arms around the giant's neck and knocking him down onto the sofa.
The aslan climbed on top of him, pressing her face into the giant's neck and squeezing with all her might. As if he were going to leave at any moment. On top of it all, the young woman's lion's tail firmly encircled the doctor's thigh, and he put his hands on the aslan's back.
Siege: Thank you... Thank you so much...
Sebastian: You're welcome. It's your birthday after all.
Siege: For everything Sebastian... Thank you for everything...
This man had saved her and her gang's lives, given her a way to survive and endure, helped her recruit new members for a war and conquest that had nothing to do with her, given her this place to stay safe, given her the best of gifts she never expected for her birthday.
had given him affection like no one else in many moons.
had given him this inexplicable feeling.
When she felt the giant's arms around her. Her chest pressing against his. She felt safe, as if there were no more people around them. In those moments, it was just the two of them. In those moments she could feel like any other woman, relieved of the weight of a nation and a people on her shoulders. She could be the self-doubting young woman she was. But at the same time, the warmth of this man filled her with strength like nothing else in the world.
Oh how she wished she could be in his arms forever.
Overwhelmed by her unconsciousness, she couldn't help asking.
Siege: When the day comes for me to reclaim Victoria's throne... Will you help me?
She immediately realized her question and how harsh it was. She'd just asked out of the blue if the giant would be willing to go through hell for her. Just because she wanted to know if those powerful arms will hold her.
Without a shadow of doubt in his voice, he replied.
Sebastian: Of course.
No long speeches. No long questions. Just an answer. Simple and honest.
He answered of course. Not a simple yes, or even surely. No, of course, as if reproaching the aslan for even asking the question in the first place. As if she didn't need to ask the question.
She squeezed just a tiny bit harder.
Siege: Thank you...
She admired him.
No...
Maybe a little more.
Someone knocked. Which was strange, because normally Dagda, Indra and Morgan would be the only ones to come and get her in her room, and they didn't bother knocking usually. The aslan didn't move a muscle, almost growling at anyone who dared interrupt her moment of happiness.
He hadn't even been able to caress her ears.
Indra: Huh boss? We've got a squad back from a mission...
Siege: I'm coming.
She was a queen, she knew that even if she wanted to. She couldn't afford to make her people wait for a hug with this man. So with a sigh she parted.
Siege: I must be rusty. Tomorrow we'll fight here.
The giant laughed lightly at such assertiveness. It wasn't a request, but an order.
Sebastian: Well, madam...
He stood up and headed for the exit door with the aslan still smiling, while the queen watched him go. When his back was to her, she raised her hand.
Siege: Seb...
He turned around.
Siege: I...
She swallowed her saliva.
Siege: Thank you... again...
The giant grinned once more.
Sebastian: Yeah, you're welcome. Bye Verna.
He left, making the aslan sigh.
Indra: Boss-
Siege: What?
The aslan looked at her friend, but the tigress thought she'd die when she saw the hatred in her friend's eyes.
Nearl: Did she like her present?
Sebastian: Pretty much.
The sound of an arrow striking moss echoed.
Nearl: Shit...
It was evening and the giant and the kuranta had met at the gym. The young woman was aiming a bow at a target and her performance was mediocre. The giant turned to her, his results being as good as could be expected of him.
Nearl: It's no use. I'm not cut out for it... I'm made for close quarter.
Both were practicing archery. For a very specific reason.
Sebastian: I know... But you have to train for the alternative trials. If we don't score enough points, we'll be eliminated on the spot. So if you can't do that one very well, at least try to limit the damage.
The doctor put down the training bow and walked over to the young woman who had just notched another arrow.
Sebastian: Watch your posture.
The giant placed his hands on the kuranta's, making her jump slightly.
Sebastian: May I?
Nearl: G-go on...
A light pink flushed her cheeks. As the giant clung to her to help her posture.
Sebastian: Lean forward slightly. And remember, it's your back that's working. Align the arm that pulls the rope. And let go like a snap, not slowly.
Her heart began to race due to her proximity to him. But trying to keep calm, she concentrated on her posture.
Sebastian: Breathe calmly, and shoot as soon as you feel it.
The young woman took a deep breath and released her arrow, which whizzed through the air to land on target. Not in the middle, but with a much higher score.
The giant began to smile.
Sebastian: There you go.
He separated himself from the kuranta, who immediately felt a cold chill down her spine.
Sebastian: Don't forget. Prefer consistency to speed.
Nearl: I think that'll do for today...
She put down her training bow and went to sit on one of the gym benches, with the giant next to her, both drinking a little water.
Sebastian: Did you train for the rest?
Nearl: As much as I can...
Sebastian: Let's see about the other trials... Running.
Nearl: I'm a full-blooded Kuranta Seb...
A/N: Uma musume global wheeeen ?
Sebastian: Yeah, maybe that's the one thing I shouldn't worry about. The grand lake trial.
Nearl: that's the only thing that could be a problem if I came across it... I'd have to show my face...
Sebastian: We'll find a way.
Nearl: But with the pool reopening I'm training there... it feels good to be able to swim again.
The kuranta smiled slightly, her broad bushy tail pressing against Sebastian's torso, trying to draw him closer.
Nearl: Back then my grandfather used to take me, Maria and Zofia on picnics surrounding the lake… It's where he taught me how to swim.
Sebastian: He seemed like a nice person.
Nearl: He was… I miss him.
The kuranta looked down for a moment, hence the giant took her hand softly. Reassuring her by his mere presence. Of course after all he'd always be there for her.
Sebastian: I've been thinking about you. I've just received a proposal from Coral Coast, which I've already accepted, so I'm waiting to see what happens next. I just got to wait until I get that swimsuit and I'll be able to train with you.
Nearl: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that contact bibeak...' Oh, that's right.
Sebastian: Yeah. Well, we've got archery covered... But horse racing...
The doctor had always found a certain irony behind the fact that the kurantas were a great people of horsemen. Although, of course, he'd never say it out loud.
Nearl: Even if the Rhodes stables were restored tomorrow, I'd still need a mount... Then I guess we'll just have to wait until I get to the country.
Sebastian: Yeah... Did you get your sister on the phone?
Nearl: Yes, she's fine. She's been avoiding Aunt Zofia for two weeks, but she's fine... And Uncle Mlynar still doesn't know about it. She's training as hard as she can...
Sebastian: And that's bad?
Nearl: She's never fought in her life before. I just worry.
His grip on her hand strengthened.
Sebastian: Don't worry... We'll be there in no time. That reminds me...
The giant took a box of medicine out of his pocket.
Sebastian: I finally have this part of the plan ready.
The kuranta widened her eyes.
Nearl: Does it... work?
Sebastian: Yeah. It wasn't easy, but I managed. Take it an hour before going into a scanner, and works at full efficiency for ten hours.
The kuranta took the medicine box and looked at it carefully.
Nearl: does it have any effect on the uninfected...?
Sebastian: No, why?
Nearl: Just asking.
Sebastian: No, it has no particular effect on the uninfected... Well, you must avoid taking it several times a day, or it can make you ill. 'The algae reacts badly with intestinal flora...'
Nearl: Okay...
The giant found this rather strange.
Sebastian: In two weeks we have the boards of directors meeting. I'll ask the ship to set sail for Kazimierz there.
Nearl: approaching fast...
Sebastian: Nervous?
Nearl: A little...
Sebastian: Don't worry... the two of us will stop at nothing.
The young woman smiled. During that month at Lungmen she cruelly missed him…
Nearl: You then...
She said, giving the giant a gentle tap on the shoulder and smiling broadly.
The giant gazed at the stars in the desert as he finished putting away the bottles from his bar. He heard footsteps in the corridor, heading for the door. The door opened to let in two sanktah. Exusiai and Mostima.
The giant gave only a smile.
Mostima: Hi doc...
Exusiai: Seb.
The two young women sat down opposite the doctor on the stools, smiles on their lips.
Sebastian: Well? How did it go?
Exusiai: My sister is alive doc...
Mostima: And your car doesn't have a scratch...
The giant laughed lightly, before leaning back against the worktop, crossing his arms.
Sebastian: Good news, isn't it?
The young sankta took out her phone and searched through her gallery before showing one of her photos to the doctor. The giant could see the two sanktas around another woman with long, pale pink hair. Resembling Exusiai, the three made a V with their fingers, big smiles on their lips.
Mostima: She was in a coma for almost five years... She woke up while we were in Lungmen. Now she can almost walk again...
Sebastian: That's pretty impressive, I guess. What had happened to her?
The two sankta looked at each other, then Mostima took a deep breath.
Mostima: Six years ago, she and I were together on an operation with a whole squad. In Kazdel.
The giant immediately knew from his instincts that something was wrong.
Mostima: It was an assassination of Queen Theresa. Kazdel could have become a problem for other countries, so we were deployed. As we approached the palace... she unleashed her guard dog on us.
She took a deep breath. As the giant sat down on a stool on his side of the bar opposite them.
Mostima: It was you... It was you who stood up to us back then... You killed half the squad before we could do anything... Lemuen was the squad leader. She wanted to finish the mission, I wanted to get away...
Tears welled up in the eyes of the fallen woman, who was comforted by Exusiai's hand on her back.
Mostima: My pistol shot went off by itself in the confusion. The bullet lodged in her skull. I became a Fallen... And a member of the squad stabbed me, taking the body with them... You saved me that day. What I didn't know was that Lemuen was alive...
The giant looked at the two, his eyes filling with pain in an instant. His heart clenched, causing him excruciating pain, and his throat knotted.
Sebastian: I-I'm the reason all this happened? God, I'm... I'm so sorry-
As he became more and more agitated. Exusiai grabbed his hand.
Exusiai: Seb... Stop beating yourself up.
Sebastian: Exia I'm responsible for this carnage and I can't even remember it-
Exusiai: She forgave you.
Sebastian: Really?
The red-haired young woman laughed lightly, closing the eye that was visible and not hidden by her hair, taking a big smile to her lips.
Exusiai: Where do you think I got this habit of forgiving everyone everything? You'd think we'd have talked to her about you. She said the only thing she regretted was not being able to walk right away.
Mostima: But at least she knew what it was like to use a wheelchair now.
Seeing the slight smile on the fallen woman's face, Sebastian couldn't help but let out a light laugh.
Sebastian: your sister seems to have quite a personality...
Mostima: Lemuen is the type to take the stairs while in her wheelchair "just for fun".
Exusiai: Let's just say I've got a lot to live up to...
Sebastian: And health-wise... How is she?
The two young women looked at each other before bursting out laughing, making the giant wonder.
Mostima: Damn doctor, you're too predictable...
Exusiai: We knew it was going to happen like this... No matter what we would have done, since you think you're even slightly responsible, you would have done what you could to get her medical records and refer her for treatment so she could recover in no time...
Sebastian: ... Am I that predictable?
Mostima: For that sort of thing, yes. That's why...
The young woman took out something and placed it on the bar counter.
Mostima: Here's the complete medical file with the skull scans.
Sebastian: Well... I'll take a look.
He said, placing it behind him with his free hand, the other still held by Exusiai.
Sebastian: That's... that's a lot of emotions. I'm glad your sister's okay. And... I'm sorry. So very sorry. For whatever I may have done...
The sankta looked at the giant, his big emerald eyes radiating so much honesty, so much affection, so much regret.
She couldn't help rising from her stool and leaning over the bar, grabbing the giant's head before kissing him on the lips. Silencing him.
He widened his eyes for a moment, then closed them, enjoying the sankta's lips on his own.
Their kiss quickly grew more passionate. The young woman was passing on all her emotions through her gesture rather than her words.
Shut it idiot, I love you.
That's what it meant.
Mostima watched the scene. Her jaw almost hanging to the ground, her skin as red as Exusiai's hair, contrasting with the blue of her own hair. After a moment that seemed to last an eternity, the two separated.
The doctor's hand still on the sankta's cheek as they parted to catch their breath.
Exusiai showed his two eyes, which now seemed almost radiant with a predatory light. While the giant didn't dare look into those eyes... Fake traces of pink showed on his cheeks under his beard.
Sebastian: You want to get together now...?
He asked, more than ready to bend to the sankta's will, but eager for a clear answer.
Exusiai glanced at Mostima before looking back at the giant.
Exusiai: Nah... I'll still give the other girls a chance to get you. It wouldn't be fair otherwise...
She said with a mischievous smile on her lips, before sitting back down on her stool. Looking at the giant, who still seemed to be struggling to recover from their kiss.
Exusiai: Just don't forget that I love you...
Sebastian: I don't think I could...
Someone knocked on the bar door, and immediately Folinic entered the bar with a flock of other medics, quickly followed by the Glasgow gang. The evening was a big party. The gangsters took the medics in their wake to celebrate the Queen's birthday. And as the doctor poured another drink, his gaze fell on Mostima and Exusiai, who were in a corner hanging with each other.
He couldn't help wondering, if he'd already committed an atrocity like this that had been hidden from his eyes, how many others had they committed in the days of Kazdel and Babel. That time when Kal'tsit and Amiya were constantly evasive.
He asked himself this question for the rest of the evening, despite the number of drinks he exchanged with Siege or Folinic.
The doctor left the bar, hurrying to his quarters to get something for the party. He crossed the dark corridors of Rhodes Island, which were lit according to the night cycle. Until he came to an abrupt halt.
He stared into a corner of darkness and frowned, the smile fading from his face.
Sebastian: Get out of there.
Out of the darkness came Ascalon the sarkaz, clapping her hands.
Sebastian: you've been following me for almost two weeks now... and I'm getting really fed up.
Ascalon: I'm intrigued, Doctor. I'm just curious.
She had quickly learned not to play with the giant's patience and temperament. Seeing that both could become very thin, very quickly.
Ascalon: I know we got off on the wrong foot together so I wanted to know how to make it up to you... So I just did what I knew best...
She said, a slight smile on her lips.
Sebastian: You were there... in Kazdel, and in Babel.
Ascalon: That's right.
She said, her smile disappearing immediately. At the end of the day, she was still an assassin and a spy, as the hidden blade on her forearm indicated to the giant.
Sebastian: Where I can find information about this period. The kind of things Amiya and Kal'tsit would never tell me.
The young woman looked at him for a few moments. Not thinking about where the giant might find his happiness, but if she could talk about it.
Ascalon: The archives. Wing number four, at the back. I've told you nothing.
The young woman watched the giant leave without saying a word.
She wondered if his nature had really changed.
Whether as a beast...
Or as a lord...
