Chapter 44:
Bonded
(Lucas's POV)
I knew that the world wasn't as it used to be. I knew this, but I was constantly amazed by all of the changes.
"They really are Krakens..." I marveled, watching the pair of them change before my eyes once again.
The woman, Luria, was the first to turn. She appeared as she did before with that dark, inky hair which shimmered pearlescent in the light. It coiled into a strange side-braid. I say it was strange because it looked more like a mass of tentacles twisted amongst each other, yet it was so subtle that you'd have to look incredibly close to even notice it.
She wore the same uniform as I saw her in before, bowing to me as she appeared. Her son, or at least...he sort of was. According to Elizabeth, Krakens were more of a slime-like creature more than they were actual aquatic life. Though, it was in their nature to live within such environments.
This completely shattered everything I thought I knew about Krakens from mythology. Especially when I found out that, technically, Kraken don't reproduce like you might expect. They y spherical gel-like eggs much like fish, but they don't need another Kraken to actually create other Krakens. They can do it themselves.
They do this by splitting themselves into these gel-like eggs, much like cellur division. In other words, mitosis. However, that's not enough to actually produce another Kraken. They must feed the eggs energy. To do so, they must hunt other creatures. Thus, it is within a Kraken's nature to hunt and devour, but that wasn't the only way to get energy.
They could also gain energy by simply learning. Adapting. Though this took a little longer. Once sufficient energy was fed into the eggs, they would hatch into baby Krakens and raised by their "Parent". Each one held part of the DNA of the parent, while the rest was made up of the energy from the various creatures it had devoured in the process, or was altered by the adaption and learning the Kraken had gone through for the energy.
That wasn't to say they can't use another Kraken, much like most creatures do when they reproduce. In fact, this was the simplest way a Kraken could create other Krakens, but it wasn't common. "...To kill their own partner..." I mented, being reminded of what Elizabeth had expined to me, "It's too cruel. I couldn't even imagine..."
Apparently when two Krakens pair together, there was an all too high of a chance that one of them would devour the other. It wasn't always a conscious decision, but more of a baser instinct. When a Kraken creates children themselves, they take energy from outside of themselves, but when they have a partner, the two of them use their own energy. This leaves them both severely weakened, and not wanting to kill their own children, they turn on each other in an almost berserk state. A frenzy of desperate survival.
Luria didn't have a partner. At least, not anymore. The children that Elizabeth had put to rest were born from one such union, but Nima wasn't. After Luria survived the frenzy, she avoided other Krakens to never again experience such an event. Instead, Nima was born from her experience. Everything she learned over the years and all of her adaptions.
That's why he was so close in appearance to her, but he was his own person...or, well, "creature" I supposed. "Honestly, it's hard thinking of them as monsters..." I thought as I watched Luria fuss over Nima's hair. It was kind of adorable. They were more like mother and son than clones, and the fact that they had genders was another strange thing.
"So, because of ancient Krakens..." I began to ask, trying to wrap my head around all of the information I was being told, "They gained the ability to differentiate themselves?"
A young man sat across from me from where I was on the couch. They looked over at me as I asked the question, their golden-amber eyes shone with an inner brilliance. They had a sun-kissed complexion and long, wavy dark blue hair tied back in a messy ponytail. Wearing casual clothing of cargo pants and a t-shirt, they looked rather unassuming besides for the unique coloring of their hair and eyes.
They were one of the Tamers that Elizabeth had called out to do a [Soul Pact] on myself and the two Krakens. His name was Max.
"That's correct, Sir," they responded, their voice having a slight Australian accent, "Krakens are excellent at adapting to their environments, though they prefer more aquatic, or wet zones to live in. This is because their bodies usually have to keep moist, or at least absorb nutrients through water, much like pnts."
He gnced at Luria and Nima who were currently attempting to straighten Nima's uniform. It looked fine to me, but with Elizabeth watching them like a hawk from my side, her arm around me, I couldn't bme them being a little anxious.
"Ellie..." I whispered chidingly pyful, "They're fine."
She pouted, but otherwise relented slightly. I smiled warmly, leaning my head against her shoulder as Max continued to expin what Elizabeth hadn't yet. His job was to inform me of everything I needed to know about Krakens.
"Because of this adaption to environments, they also adapt to what they eat," Max expined, a little excited about the subject, "It's honestly rather fascinating. They have no reason to present themselves as anything except an amorphous creature. Even their 'Kraken' forms were determined by what the ancient Krakens devoured. Over generations, they began taking on certain identities because of the traits from the knowledge and lifeforms they've eaten."
"Damn...that's pretty cool, honestly," I admitted, and Max nodded in vigorous agreement.
"Isn't it, though?" he replied in pure awe, "I've always been interested in Kraken, but they aren't exactly the easiest creatures to study. To be honest, Kraken who are able to take on humanoid forms are incredibly rare. If I wasn't told what they were, I probably wouldn't have believed it, but-"
"Max," Elizabeth's sweet voice held a sharpened edge, "Stick to the point. Also, you know better than to say anything, don't you."
Max held up his hands in deference.
"Of course, Miss Falcrest," he answered, bowing his head in acquiescence, "I know better than to say something. I was just expressing my appreciation."
As Max lowered his hands, I caught a glimpse of something rather familiar to me by this point. The Aegis Guild Symbol. It was tattooed just below his colrbone, showing for a brief second as he adjusted his shirt. Yes, Max was a Tamer from Aegis.
"I do not doubt your loyalty, Max," Elizabeth sighed softly, not annoyed, but simply...distracted as she pyed with my hair lightly, "You wouldn't be here if I did."
Max gave a small, appreciative smile.
"Right, well..." he cleared his throat, relieved that he had survived the pressure Elizabeth had exuded for a moment, "Krakens are also tragic creatures. Those born from a union of two Krakens are unfortunately prone to insanity, or rather...being animalistic. They often ck intelligence, and indulging themselves on flesh, this is only exacerbated, making them practically feral."
"Ah, so that's why..." I felt my heart ache as Max told me this, for Elizabeth hadn't exactly eborated before.
I found my gaze wandering to Luria who was slightly gncing towards us, though her eyes were looking more down than not, but I knew she had heard what we had said. Her expression...saddened. Though, it was only for a moment before she returned to fussing over Nima. I couldn't imagine what it felt like to lose a connection to so many of her children.
"Yes," Max stated, somberly quiet, "It's...unfortunate, but most Krakens aren't as intelligent as these two."
"Lucas, I had no choice," Elizabeth sounded disheartened as she spoke gently into my ear, "I-"
I pced a finger over her lips, immediately silencing her.
"I know," I told her, removing my finger as I simply watched Luria, "I don't bme you, but...let's move away from this for now, please?"
Elizabeth looked at me with a tender understanding. I had a bleeding heart, and I also didn't want Luria to relive their deaths. I was also sure that, deep down, Elizabeth wished there had been another way. Of course, I also knew that she had probably enjoyed it as well. There was a lot of pain that she went through, and so I wouldn't hold it against her. I couldn't.
After all, if I had watched her die over and over again, I also would enjoy tearing apart whoever, or whatever, had killed her. If I could, anyways. The fact that Luria and Nima were alive, however, told me more than words ever could. Even if Elizabeth said they were gifts, she had made the conscious decision to let them live. Whether she admitted it or not, I believed that there was more to it than her just wanting to protect me, though I wouldn't deny that was the main reason.
"Luria, Nima," I called to them, holding out my hand, "Come here. You both look fine. Sit, please."
Luria looked at me cautiously, with something fshing across her face for a moment. It was different than the nervousness she gave off. It almost seemed...appreciative? Perhaps I was seeing things, because as her and Nima made their way over to sit down, it was gone. Though, she did seem a lot more rexed now, and Nima gave a small smile as they passed.
Sitting down together on my right, Luria and Nima remained silent, but that was okay.
"Try to rex," I spoke as soothingly as I could, leaning forward from Elizabeth to try and put myself at their level, "I won't force you to do anything you don't want to. I know that Ellie said you had to get the [Soul Pact], but I won't make you if you're uncomfortable about it."
Elizabeth shifted, her hand caressing my back.
"I didn't say they had to," she mumbled, sounding like she was sulking a bit, "I simply suggested they do."
"Mhm," I replied cheekily, gncing back at her with a doubtful look, "I'm sure you did 'suggest' it."
Having been caught, she blushed and looked away sheepishly, trying to act nonchant. "So cute~," I mused, chuckling to myself as I turned back to face the Krakens who were looking at me carefully.
"We...appreciate your kindness," Luria spoke, her voice sounding as if it echoed itself, like she was speaking from underwater before she cleared her throat and her tone became a little clearer, "We will accept...the pact."
"Are you sure?" I asked, trying to look as sympathetic as I felt, "You don't have to if you don't-"
"No," Nima spoke up for the first time, "Nima...wants."
I smiled gently, taking a deep breath as I nodded. Their eyes shimmered with slight uncertainty, but I couldn't deny that there was also a deep conviction within them. Luria smiled deeply at her child, brushing his hair like a mother would who was trying to comfort and praise their child.
"I agree with my son," Luria stated, looking up at me with an even deeper conviction, but with no uncertainty, "It is better than death, and...thank you."
"I...for what?" I asked, suddenly confused.
Luria held Nima to her, cradling his head preciously.
"Not many would..." she began, her expression softening, "You care about those that were lost. I was not strong enough to do what was necessary, I-"
"Necessary!?" I excimed, "No parent should have to...What the fuck? Listen, Luria, you don't need to-"
"Master," Luria spoke quietly, though her words cut through mine with the intensity of it, "That's why I thank you...for being upset...on my behalf. I assure you, it was necessary. I hated watching my children become feral and being able to do nothing about it. Nima...he is the only one who I have left, and I...am grateful you have taken us in."
I grumbled, not really being able to say much to that. It was difficult to try and argue with someone about something so incredibly close to their heart. Something that I didn't know anything about, and so who was I to try and tell her that she was wrong?
"I...can't tell you how to feel," I sighed, leaning back against the couch, feeling saddened, "I can only say that...you don't need to hide how you feel."
"Thank you," Luria once again repeated, this time her voice seemed even softer than before, "That's reassuring. I know that your mate has brought us here for a purpose, and that we don't really have a choice, but..."
As Luria spoke, mentioning not having a choice, I gred back at Elizabeth in discernment. She looked like a child being caught red-handed, avoiding eye-contact with me. I really didn't bme her, but the least she could do was admit it when she was holding someone hostage. "Well, I guess she didn't really deny it, but still..." I shook my head, reaching up towards her to pinch her cheek pyfully.
"You've been kind to us these st couple of days," Luria continued, Elizabeth half-heartedly trying to fight back against my assault on her face, "I understand why she wishes to protect you. We are monsters, and yet..."
She trailed off, looking away as if unsure of what she was about to say. Closing her eyes, Luria breathed in and opened her eyes, looking back towards me.
"I vow to protect you," Luria stated, and Max took this opportunity to move in, preparing the [Soul Pact] almost immediately.
I watched as the skill was activated. A swirling of violet wisps that surrounded us both. The light of the magic flickered in Luria's eyes. This skill seemed different from the pact between myself and Azure, and so for a moment...I hesitated. That was until I felt Elizabeth's hand slide up my back to my shoulder, squeezing it comfortingly.
"...It's her choice, my love," Elizabeth said with surprising tenderness, "I understand that the events leading up to this weren't ideal, but now it is her choice. Truly. I will not force my hand. I promised you. Treat them as you wish."
"Promised, huh?" I smiled warmly, taking her hand in mine and kissing it lovingly, "You do keep your promises, don't you?"
I watched as her eyes took on a profound thoughtfulness, as if remembering some from the far, distant past. I could only imagine what she was thinking of, my heart going out to her in that moment as I just gazed at her with tender affection. She smiled, cupping my face in her hand. It was warm. So incredibly warm...
"Always, my love. Always," she responded with such certainty that there was no way I could doubt her.
Nodding, I took her hand from my face and squeezed it gratefully. Returning to face Luria, I gnced towards Max who was waiting to finish the pact.
"Very well," I nodded towards Max, "Do it."
He nodded back and the violet energy swirled even brighter, enveloping the two of us as Luria stood before kneeling in front of me.
"Please pce your hand upon her, Sir," Max instructed, and I obeyed.
Pcing my hand upon her shoulder, I felt a surge of energy rush into me as the pact took hold. The energy around us coalesced over us, sinking deep into our bodies. It always felt strange feeling magic affect me. Like it was just...nostalgic. Then, as soon as I felt it, it was gone.
A glowing symbol of a curled tentacle appeared through her clothing, over her chest just below her left colrbone. At the same time, the same symbol appeared upon the back of my right hand. The one that I had used to make contact with her.
"A simple process," Max stated proudly, "Though, not so simple pact. This is an advanced form of the typical [Soul Pact]. It's my special skill, [Soul Pact: Vassal]. As cliche as it sounds, it's practically like bestowing knighthood."
"...I knew it was different," I sighed as I removed my hand and Luria gracefully stood back up to return to Nima's side, "Damn it. Alright, tell me how it differs."
"I'm sorry, Sir," Max rubbed the back of his neck anxiously, "I thought you knew."
Making eye contact with Elizabeth, she once more feigned innocence.
"It's not that different," she defended, "So don't give me that look."
"Mhm," I replied with wry amusement, "We're going to have a talk ter."
Like a puppy with their tail between their legs, Elizabeth defted before my very eyes. I wasn't exactly mad with her or anything. I just found it amusing to tease her, much like she teases me. The "talk" would simply be something she will rather enjoy.
"Come now," I whispered seductively, pcing a finger under her chin, gently making her look at me, "You look so cute all bashful, but you'll have plenty of time ter to act submissive."
Elizabeth blushed deeply, gring at me with a dangerous, predatory excitement. Almost threatening to devour me right then and there.
"There she is," I praised, thumbing along her jawline, "Save that now. You'll need it."
The sound of a throat being cleared drew my attention to Max who was looking quite out of pce. I suddenly realized that we were not alone, and for the brief moment I had been teasing her, I had completely forgotten about everything else.
"We, uh...have one more?" Max motioned towards Nima whose eyes were being currently covered by Luria, "And, uhm...you know I'm still here, right?"
I felt immediately embarrassed, releasing Elizabeth who looked simultaneously disappointed and amused.
"Right, sorry..." I cleared my throat as well, adjusting myself before motioning to continue, "Let's finish this. Nima, are you ready?"
Freeing himself from his mother's hands, he nodded. Despite his teenage appearance and childish tendencies, he had a keen mind. According to Luria, he was still developing. That's why he sometimes referred to himself in the third person. It was honestly endearing, so I didn't mind.
Like his mother, he knelt before me, but this time as the pact was made, the symbol appeared on the back of my left hand instead of my right. Though, it appeared in the same spot on him as it did his mother. With the pacts now complete, I turned towards Max as the symbol faded.
"So...you were saying about the pact?" I asked, leaning back into Elizabeth's arms, "What's different about it?"
"Oh, right! Sorry," Max apologized sheepishly, "So, Miss Falcrest is frustratingly correct. There isn't much of a difference between my [Soul Pact: Vassal] and the regur [Soul Pact]."
"But there is a difference," I stated, to which he nodded.
"Yes, but it's embarrassingly not much," he answered with a sigh, "The bond is 'stronger', or rather, more secure. The true, main difference, is that they can be summoned to your side. That, and they're never far from you, should you wish it. For example..."
I watched as Max flourished his right hand, and from beneath the sleeve of his t-shirt slithered a snake-like visage upon his skin. Almost like a tattoo, but it was...alive. With glittering red scales and amber eyes, the snake came to life before my very eyes. Emerging from his skin, it then wrapped itself around Max's arms happily.
Its tongue flickered out as Max affectionately scratched it under the chin. It appeared to be quite pleased as he did. "Cute..." I mused, finding the creature to be honestly beautiful. It looked to be made of some kind of gemstone.
"This is Brigid," Max introduced the snake, "She's a ruby gemstone snake. Beautiful, isn't she?"
"Incredibly," I agreed, earning a hmph from Elizabeth, who I coyly gnced at with a smirk, "So are you, but you're not a snake, now are you?"
"...No," she admitted with a small smile.
She was too precious, my heart melting for how cute she could be sometimes.
"So, basically..." Max continued, clearing his throat as Brigid returned under his shirt, and into his skin once more, "This is one of the major ways that my skill differs. That, and their growth is increased. The regur pact only creates a connection, but mine actually does something with that connection."
"That's way different then," I told them, looking between Elizabeth and Max with pyful admonishment, "You two were downpying it. That's almost an entirely different skill."
"Well...I guess you're right," Max rubbed the back of his neck bashfully, "I guess I was just being humble. If you want, I can-"
"Azure! Bad! No, wait...!" Maya's voice called just as Azure burst into the room in a fury as Max was just finishing his expnation.
Meowing into a slight roar, a trail of night behind him, Azure flew into my arms. Turning towards Luria and Nima, he began growling protectively. It was almost like...
"Are you jealous?" I asked Azure who flinched at the word, "You are, aren't you? Pfft, come on, Azure. You're going to have to share, and I told you before...you have a special pce in my heart."
Leaning down, I kissed the top of his head, which seemed to please him. There was a smile upon his face, or as close as one could get to a smile on a Drake. He seemed to practically prance, like a peacock funting its feathers as he looked towards Nima and Luria smugly, as if to say, "How do you like that?" which was honestly quiet amusing.
It was at that point Azure sniffed the air before flying towards Max, knocking him back into his chair and staring him in the face.
"Azure!" I excimed, feeling embarrassed and concerned about his actions, "Bad! Get off of him, now."
Azure mewed loudly, standing his ground as he continued to stare down Max. He mewed again, a half-roar as if he was demanding something. As if...
"It's okay, Sir," Max chuckled, adjusting himself as Azure flew into the air, floating there as if in anticipation, "I think this little one wants to upgrade."
"Ah..." I realized what he meant as I slowly stood and made my way over there, "Be that as it may. Azure..."
I was standing behind him now, quickly grabbing him by the scruff of his neck. Pulling him away from Max, I lifted him up to eye level, gring at him admonishingly. He slowly turned his head towards me, his eyes sparkling with a mix of apology and fear.
"Mew!" he made a pathetic cry, aiming a paw towards Max, then at the Krakens, before finally aiming his paw at himself.
I knew he was intelligent, but to think he was capable of maniputing me this much. My heart felt like it had been shot with cupid's arrows. There was no way I could possibly stay mad at him when he acted so adorably.
"...Damn it," I grumbled, releasing him as I rubbed the back of my neck, "Alright, alright, but no jumping on people! That's bad!"
His ears fell back as he hung there in the air, holding his little paws before him in atonement. My heart pulled at itself once more, and it took every ounce of my willpower to not apologize to him for punishing him.
"Max, are you able to overwrite a normal pact?" I asked with a relenting sigh.
Azure perked up, but quickly reigned it in when I narrowed my eyes at him. "Damn it...he's so cute~," I mented to myself, now feeling bad for telling him off.
"Of course," Max replied with utmost confidence, "If you will, just make contact with him and I'll begin."
Before I could say anything, Azure flew into my arms, snuggling comfortably close. I had to stifle a ugh, scoffing from how eager he was. I really couldn't stay upset, and so, I held him tenderly and warmly, closing my eyes as I felt the familiar tingle of [Soul Pact: Vassal] envelop us. As I opened my eyes, the process was done, and upon Azure's chest glowed the familiar paw mark with a star in the center. Upon my own chest glowed a simir one, just below the cvicle.
As the marks faded, I looked down with wry amusement at Azure.
"So, are you happy now?" I asked with a chuckle.
"Yes!" a voice came through in my mind, and yet I heard it with my ears, startling me for a moment, "Azure. Happy!"
I held Azure at arm's length, looking with disbelief. He looked incredibly pleased, tail swishing back and forth.
"Did you...just speak?" I asked skeptically, "No...maybe?"
"Happy!" the voice came through again, just as Azure opened his mouth, but outwardly, I heard a mewling cry, rather than actual words.
Looking past Azure at Max, I noticed that he seemed quite amused.
"...What's happening?" I asked him, to which his smile widened.
"You're hearing Azure's voice," he expined happily, "Most creatures with intelligence can speak, and over time, I'm sure Azure would learn how to do so properly, but...this is another benefit of my skill. If you're affinity with them is high, you can hear their voice. Some Tamers call it the Voice of the Heart or Voice of the Soul, but honestly..."
He simply shrugged, but now it made sense why he seemed so happy. Tamers, the good kind anyways, loved when people got along with animals and monsters, at least those who they could tame. They loved the creatures, and the fact that I could now hear Azure's voice proved just how close I was with them.
What I didn't know, is that apparently Max could see something I couldn't. In fact, everyone there could see what I couldn't, as it was something that only a Pyer could see in that moment. Three notifications appearing over the heads of Azure, Luria, and Nima.
---
>Azure, Drake of Twilight
>Species: Midnight Drake
>Current Rank: C
>Potential Rank: Unknown
>Bonded: Lucas Avington
>Bond Affinity: 100/100
>Max Bond Bonus: Telepathic Link.
>Improved Stats.
>[Twilight Fme] Skill Acquired.
>Improved Growth Rate.
---
>Luria, Kraken of the Full Moon
>Species: Ancient Kraken
>Current Rank: S
>Potential Rank: Unknown
>Bonded: Lucas Avington
>Bond Affinity: 45/100
>Bond Bonus: Improved Growth Rate.
---
>Nima, Kraken of the Storm
>Species: Ancient Kraken
>Current Rank: B
>Potential Rank: Unknown
>Bonded: Lucas Avington
>Bonded Affinity: 40/100
>Bond Bonus: Improved Growth Rate.
-----
(Elizabeth's POV)
Max whistled as they all saw the notifications appearing over the heads of those bonded to Lucas. She honestly couldn't bme him, for they were definitely impressive. Though, she was surprised by Azure's notification. "Rank potential unknown..." she pondered, her gaze lingering upon Lucas, "You always did find the interesting ones, my love..."
She was thrilled to see him acquire these three creatures. The more protection he had, the better in her opinion. Of course, she couldn't help but notice how high the affinity already was between him and the two Krakens. "He always did have that effect, though," she reasoned, her heart softening towards him. He was an incredibly kindhearted individual who always gave people a chance. Even those who would be better off dead.
It was most likely due to his kindness towards them these st couple of days that their affinity was already so high. After all, they had willingly agreed to be bonded to him. Although they would have been bonded regardless, for it had been a stipution of sparing them, but they needn't have been willing. The fact they were said much about Lucas.
It was hard not to continue falling harder for him. Watching him hold Azure so carefully, smiling brilliantly as he pyed with him..."I want him..." Elizabeth practically purred to herself, a haze tunneling her vision upon him. He must have sensed her staring, for he turned towards her with that dazzling smile. It threatened to explode her heart.
"Everything okay?" he asked, holding Azure to his chest like a stuffed teddy, "You seem rather serious."
He spoke with a knowing glint to his eye and smirk upon his lips. He knew what he was doing, pretending to be all innocent.
"Max," Elizabeth called as she stood up, "Thank you for your services."
"Of course," he replied, lounging back gratefully, "You ever need anything, let me know. I'll be happy to-"
"Max," Elizabeth repeated, eyes focused on Lucas with heavy desire, "I said...Thank you for your services."
He gnced between Lucas and her before it clicked. Jumping to attention, he nodded.
"Right, no problem," he quickly made his way to the door, "I'll just see myself out."
Lucas looked up at her with innocent eyes. She no longer paid attention to anything else. Reaching towards him, her heart sunk as he dodged her hand pyfully. He practically danced out of her reach before handing Azure off to Maya.
"Could you look after him for a while?" he asked Maya gently, completely ignoring Elizabeth, "I have to talk to Ellie about a few things."
Maya gnced over at Elizabeth who was staring at her hand despondently. "He...moved away..." she thought in sorrowful horror. Maya smiled softly, shaking her head with amusement before nodding her agreement.
"I'll take him for a walk, Sir," she told Lucas, "Nima. Luria. You're coming with."
"We...are?" Luria asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"Yes," Maya stated firmly, "There's plenty you need to learn if you are to serve Sir Luke. I'll whip you into shape in no time. Just ask Azure. Isn't that right?"
As she said this, her tone was so calm, yet belied an incredible danger. Scratching under Azure's chin, Maya smiled eerily which froze him in pce. Luria and Nima quickly understood to move as Lucas motioned for them to go.
"It'll be okay," he told them gently, "Maya. Go easy on them. Please."
"...Only because you asked, Sir," Maya sighed in slight disappointment, "Come on, you three."
Maya led them from the room and out of the penthouse. Elizabeth barely heard the door click shut and the lock fall into pce. At that point, Lucas took a deep breath. Turning towards her, Elizabeth's eyes slowly looked up at him in concern. Her hand was still held out in abject rejection.
"Did I...do something wrong?" Elizabeth asked crestfallen.
"...Not exactly," he finally responded with even, calm tone, "You've always been good to me. Always taking care of me. However, you have a bad habit of withholding things."
"I...just don't want to overwhelm you," she told him sullenly like a chided child.
She looked at the floor, unable to keep eye contact with him. He was looking at her with discerning eyes that bore deep into her very soul. She didn't know what to say, and only told him what was true. She really didn't want to overwhelm him with everything, and so made choices she thought was necessary.
"Don't mistake me, my love," his words were filled with warmth.
She felt him take her hand in his, holding it firmly. Her heart skipped several beats as he pulled her to him, his other hand grabbing her by the chin. He tenderly made her look at him. She was unable to fight his touch, nor did she really want to. "It's unfair...looking at me with those eyes..." she felt herself fold before him, melting as she stared into those kind, nebus eyes.
"I like that you do all of these things for me," he said softly, which was a huge relief to her, "However...I also like to do things for you. Remember that talk I said we had to have?"
"...Y-Yes," she answered breathlessly, captivated by his presence.
"I think it's time to have it," he told her with a coy smirk, and then ordered, "Kneel, my love."
She didn't hesitate to obey, kneeling before him, his finger gently under her chin, forcing her to look up at him now. With him looking down at her, she felt everything give way. Her lip quivered as his thumb traced across it, teasing her.
"Tell me, darling..." his words were heavy with his own desire, "Who are you?"
"...Yours," she responded easily, for it was her very essence.
He seemed pleased with this answer, his hold on her becoming stronger. He pced her hand he held upon his hip, looking down on her with such intensity that she was lost to everything else in that moment. It wasn't difficult to imagine what happened after that.
He commanded her. She obeyed. He took care of her, just as she always cared for him. He returned the favor, and for a time, she was relieved of all sense of responsibility. She gave him control, and the heavy burden she bore was made lighter by his touch.
There was no other name that was ever uttered from her lips, nor echoed in her heart more than his. She would do anything for him. Theirs was a bond that had been made long ago and could never be broken. It went back lifetimes and ascended beyond all reason. Nothing was stronger than that.
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Nikushimi
