Roy sat heavily into the captain's chair on the bridge of the Nightshatter, taking a slow breath before leaning forward toward the microphone in front of him. "Are we ready to start the mission?"
On the other end of the transmission, Sorrowclaw fumbled with the earpiece tucked discreetly behind her hair, startled by its sudden crackle. She stood alone on a dirt path winding its way toward the outer edges of Otherrealm, in the first sector just inside the fourth wall. Her eyes flickered nervously, darting around the area.
"Is it truly possible you can hear me through this tiny thing?" she asked skeptically, glancing around in disbelief. "You're so far away."
Roy sighed audibly. "I hear you just fine. Stop messing with it and act natural."
Sorrowclaw huffed softly. "Fine, but I don't see how the plan works, it's so simple," she whispered.
She heard Roy's exhausted sigh again. "Tell Keeper exactly what we discussed. He'll believe it."
She hesitated, rolling her eyes at the air. "If you say so. But are you certain he'll fall for my story? He might be a creep, but that doesn't automatically make him stupid."
Roy leaned in closer to the microphone, lips firmly pressed into it, dryly replying, "He asked... for a literal wife in a box, one he has completely control over. Trust me, he'll take the bait." Roy paused, sensing Sorrowclaw's wavering enthusiasm. "And remember, once this is done, you'll get that performance at the you've been begging for, just like the ones I showed you on the...light panel thing. And I'll even let you do it in the grand auditorium we are about to finish as well. With a full crowd."
Immediately, Sorrowclaw straightened up, the hesitation vanishing from her posture. Her steps became livelier, and she smiled beneath the large hood that concealed most of her face. "Well, why didn't you lead with that?"
"No backing out now," Roy reminded her. "I always keep my promises."
"What if the plan fails?" she asked softly, her fingers subconsciously brushing the back of her neck, feeling the faint cut left there by Skellbro.
"Even if it does, you'll still get to do your dance," Roy said firmly.
Sorrowclaw sighed theatrically. "I know, I know."
She approached the house at the end of the path, an unwelcoming structure despite being recently built. She quickly removed the hood and put her hand through her hair. She noticed the front door was marred with scuff marks near the bottom, as if it had been kicked open repeatedly by an irritable occupant. Sorrowclaw reached out and knocked three times.
The door creaked open cautiously at first, revealing Keeper's wary face. His expression instantly brightened when he saw Sorrowclaw standing there, her captivating beauty evident. He immediately swung the door wider, gaze lingering uncomfortably long.
Internally, Sorrowclaw cringed. Roy wasn't exaggerating, she thought bitterly. He really is a creep.
Before she could speak, a woman stepped protectively beside Keeper. At first glance, she appeared to be an elf, her features delicate and flawlessly elegant. Yet, Sorrowclaw's experienced eyes sensed no elven mana signature from her whatsoever, a bizarre anomaly that piqued her curiosity. The woman wore a flowing black robe patterned intricately with fine white designs, and for a moment, as the robe shifted, Sorrowclaw glimpsed armor plating beneath, armor that seemed strangely familiar.
Keeper's voice snapped her attention back. "What do you want?" he asked impatiently.
Sorrowclaw flashed him a flirtatious smile, batting her eyelashes. "Hi there! My name is Happy Fang. I'm one of the new dancers hired for the upcoming auditorium shows." She swiftly produced a flyer, thrusting it toward Keeper. "I've been handing these out all day, you're my very last stop."
Keeper snatched the flyer impatiently. "And why would I care about this?"
Sorrowclaw tilted her head seductively. "Because I'm good, very, very good," she purred, allowing her voice to drip with charm. Her eyes flicked meaningfully toward Zehrina, who stood utterly expressionless at Keeper's side. "You know," she continued suggestively, leaning forward, "you seem like someone who appreciates a more... personal performance."
Keeper glanced around quickly, checking to see if anyone was watching, then opened the door wider. "Alright," he murmured. "Come in."
She stepped back quickly. "Wait! Wait! I'd like to give you a special preview of the show. A personal, private demonstration. But for that, I need lights, ambiance, a proper stage. Trust me, it'll blow your mind." She paused for dramatic effect, then leaned closer. "And so will I."
Keeper hesitated, clearly reluctant. "I don't like leaving my place," he muttered. "And the idiot must come with me."
Sorrowclaw suppressed her grin. Exactly as Roy predicted. She opened her arms expansively. "Bring her along, then! The stage is big enough for two. I'll make sure tonight is unforgettable for both of you."
Keeper's gaze lingered on her once more, eyes narrowing with crude curiosity. She unbuttoned the front of her large jacket slightly, revealing beneath a dance costume that made Keeper's decision easy. With a disdainful grunt, he nodded. "Fine. The idiot over here and I will see if you're really worth the hype you're putting forward."
With casual cruelty, Keeper grabbed Zehrina by the head and shoved her roughly out the door. Zehrina's blank expression didn't flicker, and she moved obediently forward as Keeper locked the door behind them.
Sorrowclaw turned, leading them back toward Otherrealm proper, silently thinking that despite Roy's reassurances, the sight of Zehrina and her eerie blankness left her with an unsettled chill running down her spine.
Sorrowclaw pulled her hood back up as they walked. Keeper quickly grew impatient, shoving Zehrina forward roughly. "This is taking too long. Get us there quicker!"
A fine black dust poured silently from beneath Zehrina's robe, swiftly lifting all three into the air. Sorrowclaw nearly screamed at first, eyes wide with panic, but within moments, the sensation thrilled her. Her fear melted into a delighted contemplation of a possible aerial dance, graceful and magnificent.
She was so engrossed in fantasy that she didn't notice their arrival until Keeper barked at her from the ground. "You coming in, or what?"
"Oh! Sorry," Sorrowclaw stammered, snapping out of her daydream. "I was just envisioning the...the dance. Yes, it'll be spectacular!"
"Nice save, moron," Roy whispered through the comms.
Keeper grunted, unimpressed, and shoved Zehrina roughly toward the auditorium doors. Inside, the air smelled of fresh timber and new construction. Though most seating wasn't yet installed. Sorrowclaw quickly pulled a single wooden chair onto the empty stage beneath the partial rigging of lights. Sorrowclaw dragged it to the center, spotlight gleaming softly overhead.
"Sit here," she instructed sweetly, motioning to the chair.
Keeper obeyed smugly, folding his arms, and leaning back arrogantly. Turning away, Sorrowclaw's face twisted briefly in disgust, but she quickly concealed her emotions. From the backroom, watching through a hidden feed, Roy's eyes narrowed when he caught the faintest twitch of Zehrina's fingers.
He pressed closer to the mic, urgently whispering, "Sorrowclaw, careful. Stay calm. Zehrina's perception might be far beyond what we expect. She could rip you apart in a blink."
Sorrowclaw swallowed hard. "I'll...just grab my performance outfit, then. One moment."
Zehrina stepped quietly onto the stage behind Keeper, her gaze falling immediately to strange, ultra faint etchings on the floor. She tilted her head curiously, staring downward in confusion. "What are these—?"
"Change of plans," Roy yelled over the comms, "she spotted the runes. Sorrowclaw, grab him!"
In that instant, Sorrowclaw spun and tackled Keeper, pinning him roughly to the stage. His angry yell was cut off abruptly as Zehrina snapped her gaze upward, eyes blazing with icy fury. Before she could unleash her devastating power, Eryndra exploded down from above, slamming Zehrina violently into the stage with a thunderous crash.
Eryndra's armor vents were fully open, roaring with energy. Electricity arced wildly between the two of them as they were locked together, filling the auditorium with a terrifying buzz. She wrenched Zehrina's wrists back with a single iron grip, driving a knee painfully into her spine. Zehrina struggled desperately, attempting to conjure frosted lightning with her hands, but Eryndra brutally twisted her wrists, a sickening crack echoing loudly.
"Enough," Eryndra hissed.
Keeper desperately tried to free himself from Sorrowclaw's grasp, managing only to sit up briefly. He froze as Warrex emerged silently behind him, pressing the gleaming blade of his axe dangerously close to Keeper's throat. Sorrowclaw released her hold and quickly exited the stage following a Presidroid.
Instantly, Zehrina ceased her struggles, the dust flowing from her rapidly returned to her cloak. She screamed through gritted teeth, eyes wide and frantic, "Please! Don't! Let him live! Take me! I'm worthless, he's supreme! Kill me instead!"
Keeper snarled furiously, eyes darting between Warrex's axe and Sorrowclaw's smug, victorious grin. Footsteps approached slowly from the shadows. Clap. Clap. Clap.
Keeper stiffened. "Roy, you son of a—"
Roy stepped forward, his gaze coldly mocking, voice dripping condescension. "Uh-uh. Watch your language around the ladies." His flamboyant persona was on full display, a stark contrast to Keeper's desperation. "I didn't think you'd actually fall for something so...simple."
Keeper raged impotently, practically frothing. "You coward! Ambushing me, this is beneath you!"
Warrex snarled in disgust, grabbing Keeper's hair, forcing his head back sharply, blade pressing dangerously into his neck. "I wouldn't test your luck," he growled, his savage visage inches from Keeper's face.
Roy paused just out of Keeper's reach, then took a step back theatrically, nose wrinkled in disgust. "You know, Keeper, maybe in a third life we could be friends. We shared experiences nobody else ever has, the unfiltered and demented wrath of Caliban. And truthfully, I'd rather not bloody my hands here." He leaned forward again, voice coldly soft. "Erase Zehrina's contract, hand it over, and we'll all part ways."
Keeper sneered defiantly, though terror crept visibly into his eyes. "Screw you! She's my ticket to wealth, power, everything! I'll never let her go!"
The back of Roy's hand cracked across Keeper's face, the sharp sound echoing harshly through the silent hall. Keeper's head snapped violently to one side. Roy spun quickly away, clutching his throbbing hand, desperately hiding his pain. Lutrian, who had followed Roy closely, bit down hard on his lip to stifle laughter at Roy's obvious discomfort.
Recovering quickly, Roy turned back around, composing himself with theatrical dignity. "I gave you a chance, Keeper. Now choose carefully." He lifted Keeper's chin mockingly gentle. "I won't enjoy hurting you. But some of my friends," he gestured casually toward Warrex's eager, trembling blade, "won't mind at all."
Keeper's eyes filled with growing panic. "You're loving this. Revenge, isn't it? You're still angry about junior high!"
Roy's face remained utterly impassive, though an edge sharpened his voice. "We shared a past, good or bad is irrelevant. Right now, I'm extending you courtesy. I'd rather not kill or maim you. But Zehrina's freedom matters. How are we on time, Warrex, can you maintain your sanity?"
Warrex's savage impatience overflowed. "Running short. Can't hold back forever, Roy. The night after the full moon is a rough time for my kind!" His heavy breath puffed hotly into Keeper's ear, saliva dripping from clenched teeth.
Keeper shuddered violently. Zehrina, still pinned beneath Eryndra, strained desperately, trying to speak through Eryndra's hand that was clasped over her mouth. The auditorium stage groaned dangerously beneath their immense strength. The despite both of them being the same "kind" of thing, the difference in physical strength seemed astronomical.
In a shadowy corner, Takara sweated heavily, desperately reinforcing the runes that held the floor intact.
"I-I can't," Keeper squeaked finally, his voice high and desperate. "I l-love her!"
Roy snapped forward, voice rising dangerously, control slipping just slightly. "Funny way of showing love, abusing her every way imaginable! If you truly loved her, you'd never treat her like property!" Roy flung Keeper's chin away roughly, straightening himself. He towered over Keeper, voice cold and severe. "I've risked my life freeing people like her from slavery. Give me a good excuse for your cruelty. I'm listening."
Keeper's face twisted in fury, his voice cracking with possessive desperation. "She's mine! She belongs to me, and that gives me the right!"
Warrex growled deeply, pressing the axe harder against Keeper's neck, his eyes flashing with contempt. "I can't stand this scum," he snarled, turning impatiently to Roy. "I'm done waiting."
Keeper's eyes bulged, terrified tears streaking down his cheeks. "No, please... wait!"
Roy calmly glanced at Warrex, silently verifying their shared bluff. Warrex subtly confirmed with a nod, releasing Keeper's hair only to swiftly draw his second axe, crossing it with the first blade around Keeper's throat. Warrex's voice shook with savage excitement, "Just give the word, Roy, please! I wish to serve his body to the God of Blood and Bone, I'm bound by his mercy! Let me feast!"
Roy looked at Warrex with a confused smile before returning his gaze to Keeper.
Suddenly, lights snapped on in the upper seats of the auditorium. There stood the rest of Roy's classmates, peering down with cruel amusement, laughter echoing coldly in the hollow space. Not a single sympathetic glance could be found among them.
Roy's eyes shifted to Zehrina, still pinned beneath Eryndra, whose calculating expression revealed she was beginning to weigh the odds. Zehrina's power remained largely unknown to them, and Roy felt uneasy at her subtle shifts.
At that moment, a Presidroid entered cheerily from the stage wings, carrying a tray laden with gleaming surgical instruments. Its voice sang out in a disturbingly jovial monotone, "Pardon me, Captain! Should you need any incisions, sutures, or organ replacements, I stand ready. Human life is my highest priority, so rest assured he'll survive... no matter what you choose to do!"
Keeper's face drained entirely of courage as the Presidroid lifted a scalpel and leaned close, curiosity echoing mechanically, "I've always wondered what's behind—"
"Enough! Enough!" Keeper screamed, jerking his head away in panic. His voice trembled violently. "You win! Take her! Take the contract, just stop!"
Roy released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Tell Zehrina to stand down entirely, immediately."
Keeper weakly obeyed. "Zehrina...stand down."
The crackling tension between Eryndra and Zehrina ceased instantly. Roy gave Warrex a subtle nod to ease back slightly, but not fully, from Keeper's trembling form.
"Show me the contract," Roy demanded softly.
Keeper raised shaking hands and muttered a small incantation. A simple chest materialized before him, small and unassuming. Keeper's voice wavered pathetically, "This is the only spell I ever learned at that old bastards magic academy."
Roy felt a strange pang of empathy, realizing Keeper, like himself, had struggled profoundly with magic. But he quickly pushed the thought aside as Keeper opened the chest. He pulled out the folded contract, wiping away the commands he'd written, forever unseen by the others.
Zehrina's eyes flickered instantly with new life, yet still distant and dulled. Roy produced the same pen Eryndra had once used, offering it solemnly to Keeper. "Write clearly: 'She is free.'"
Keeper struggled deeply, hand trembling violently as he slowly scrawled the words. The moment he finished, Zehrina's eyes sparked brightly, full awareness flooding her expression for the first time. She blinked rapidly, then shifted to a look of pure disgust and fury.
Roy exhaled in relief, snatching the contract quickly. "At last. You did a good thing, Keeper."
Warrex shoved Keeper forward roughly, releasing him. Keeper collapsed limply to the floor, utterly defeated. Eryndra carefully released Zehrina, stepping back cautiously. Zehrina rose slowly, brushing herself off as if reclaiming dignity long lost.
Keeper staggered upright, tears streaming bitterly down his face. He stared at Roy accusingly. "You enjoyed this, admit it!"
Roy turned away coldly, fully maintaining the performance. "Believe what you want. I gave you mercy you never gave her." He paused briefly, voice firm. "But even now, I'm not going to kill you. In fact, I'll give you something, safety. Tomorrow, come to the Nightshatter and choose one or two items from the non-essential requests. A weapon and drone guards. You'll be safe. I guarantee if danger comes near you, artillery rounds will be fired from wherever I stand. My mercy offers you protection, something you never gave her."
Keeper didn't respond, eyes hollow with loss.
Roy turned gently toward Zehrina, offering her the contract. "This is yours now. You have complete autonomy." He showed her a photocopy of Eryndra's own contract. "You can copy this or write whatever you wish. But before you consider revenge, understand you can't kill him. Your life remains tied to his."
Keeper's eyes widened in shock and confusion, staring helplessly as Zehrina reached calmly for the pen, sparks arcing softly between her fingertips. Warrex shifted cautiously nearer Roy, tense and protective.
Zehrina spoke softly, beautifully composed despite the turmoil beneath. "Keeper..., we have many memories together...."
Keeper's eyes snapped open, faint hope flickering desperately across his face.
She continued gently, her tone devastatingly resolute. "I don't want to live my life hating you. But I also refuse to live remembering who you are." She clearly stated as she wrote, "Retains zero memories regarding her former master, Keeper of the Oathmaiden," dropping the pen firmly into Roy's open palm.
A gentle surge of mana swept visibly through Zehrina. Keeper's face paled, agony filling his expression as he realized all memory of him had vanished forever from her. Zehrina blinked, slightly dazed and uncertain, scanning the auditorium slowly.
"My name is Zehrina," she finally said, turning calmly to Roy. "Thank you for freeing me."
Roy sighed, remorse edging his tone. "I'm sorry it took this long. I only took these drastic measures because we need help. But don't misunderstand, I tried many many times before."
Zehrina offered a small, enigmatic smile. "I believe you. And I'm grateful." Her gaze drifted briefly past Keeper, treating him like just another shadow. "My body aches with memories I can no longer recall. I need to be alone to figure out what's next."
Roy hesitated, understanding. "Fair enough. If you decide to help us, we'll be grateful. If not, you have my respect regardless."
Zehrina's eyes softened slightly. "I'll stay tonight at the Dawn Watchtower within the fourth wall. By tomorrow morning at ten, I'll have decided. If I'm gone, assume I've left for good."
Roy nodded slowly, respectfully. "I understand."
Without another glance at Keeper, Zehrina clutched the contract and turned gracefully, disappearing quietly from the auditorium through a backdoor.
Roy exhaled slowly, turning to Keeper. "Tomorrow at noon, come to the Nightshatter if you still desire protection. You're free to stay or leave."
Keeper, utterly silent, turned without another word and stumbled away.
Roy and his group stepped out beneath the moonlit night, breathing in the cool air. Warrex grunted, holstering his axes roughly. "Quite a performance. But it worked."
Roy nodded thoughtfully, pushing aside lingering anxiety. "Warrex, what the hell were you saying? You used only one of the lines I wrote and went bonkers with the savagery...I love it! We should do some improv acting."
Warrex smiled and held out a thumbs-up. "I don't know what that is, but I'd be glad to try it."
Roy returned the thumbs-up and walked away. "Let's get something to eat before we finalize the threat plans. Who want pork buns?"