Chapter 50: A Dangerous Proposal
The fire crackled low, its embers glowing like crimson eyes in the darkness. Kazuki sat apart from the others, his knees drawn to his chest, the Grizzly's voice still echoing in his mind.
"You can't escape me, Kazuki. You and I are one."
Kazuki squeezed his eyes shut, his fists clenching. "No... you're nothing but a parasite."
"A parasite?" The Grizzly's voice purred, dark and mocking. "Who saved you tonight? Who gave you the strength to drive those wolves away? You can lie to yourself, Kazuki, but you can't lie to me. You need me."
Kazuki's jaw tightened, his breaths coming in sharp bursts. But before he could respond, Tara's voice cut through the air.
"Kazuki."
Kazuki opened his eyes to find Tara standing over him, her expression hard, her arms crossed over her chest.
"You okay?" she asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.
Kazuki forced a weak smile. "Yeah. Just tired."
"Bullshit." Tara dropped to a crouch, her eyes boring into his. "I saw what you did back there. That wasn't just you, was it?"
Kazuki looked away, his jaw clenching. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't play dumb." Tara leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You used its power. The Grizzly's power."
Kazuki's heart pounded, his fists clenching. "I had to. There was no other way."
"And how long until it consumes you?" Tara's eyes darkened, her expression a mix of anger and fear. "Because that's what it wants, Kazuki. You know that, right?"
Kazuki swallowed, his throat tight. "I can handle it."
"Can you?" Tara shook her head, standing up. "You keep using that power, and you're going to lose yourself. And when that happens, you won't just be a danger to yourself. You'll be a danger to all of us."
Kazuki's jaw clenched, the Grizzly's laughter echoing in his mind.
"She's right, you know," the Grizzly purred. "You're a danger to them all. But you don't have to be. Let me take over, Kazuki. Let me protect them."
Kazuki gritted his teeth, forcing the voice back down. "I don't need you."
Tara shook her head, frustration flashing in her eyes. "Fine. Have it your way. But don't say I didn't warn you."
She turned and walked away, leaving Kazuki alone in the darkness.
The next morning, Elara approached Kazuki as he sat by the fire, his eyes dark and hollow.
"Kazuki," she said softly, kneeling beside him. "Are you okay?"
Kazuki forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah. Just didn't sleep well."
Elara bit her lip, her eyes searching his face. "Listen... I've been thinking. Maybe we should go see the Oracle."
"The Oracle?" Kazuki frowned. "What's that?"
"She's a powerful seer," Elara said. "She knows things. Things about the mind. Maybe she can help you... with the Grizzly."
Kazuki's heart skipped a beat. "You think she can get rid of it?"
Elara hesitated, her brow furrowing. "I don't know. But if anyone can, it's her."
Kazuki's fists clenched. The idea of finally ridding himself of the Grizzly was tempting — too tempting.
"But there's a catch," Elara said, her expression darkening. "The Oracle doesn't help people for free. She always demands a price. And it's never something simple."
Kazuki swallowed, the Grizzly's voice echoing in his mind.
"Go to her, Kazuki," the Grizzly whispered, its tone silky and sinister. "Let's see what she wants in exchange for your freedom."
Kazuki's jaw clenched, his gaze hardening. "Fine. Let's go see the Oracle."
But even as he said it, a chill ran down his spine. Because deep down, he knew — whatever the Oracle demanded, it was going to be more than he could afford to pay.