Fleeting images and twisting shadows haunted me in my dreams. Misty yet familiar silhouettes seemed to be just at the hand’s reach. For some reason I was afraid, scared of losing something… someone... Compelled by the growing fear I tried approaching an indistinct figure, but the shadow suddenly turned away and ran. I gave chase, but despite my desperate attempts the distance between us grew farther and farther. I redoubled my efforts, but nothing changed… Apart from a sense of urgency and mounting pressure, both of which seemed to grow and grow...

I shifted groggily and found myself in an unfamiliar bed. Confused, I tried to untangle myself from a snarl of twisted sheets, smooth hair and silken cloth, before finally dismissing the notion that it was an aftereffect of some drunken stupor. -’ Damn, I almost wish I was a drinking type... ‘ I observed dryly as understanding of my situation dawned on me. I cringed inwardly, as there was a pressing issue encroaching on my thoughts... I had to pee.

My gaze inadvertently rested on the chamber pot, before travelling to Ethan’s bed. I scowled, discomforted, before reflexively hugging myself. I was feeling insecure, smoothness of skin under my fingers only amplified the feeling, making me feel both sinful and shy, reinforcing my decision to find an outhouse. Luckily, I had an idea where to find one.

When I was in the main room of the inn I had spied a backdoor leading to a square outside. Smells of both human and animal waste, as well as some patrons making their way there, were a good indication that both a stable and an outhouse were there.

I sat up and was about to rise from the bed… When a realization that I was wearing only a thigh long nightgown froze me in my tracks. Imagining myself going anywhere in such a get up made my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I quickly tried to suppress the unsettling thought, only to find it overriden with an indecent idea of finding a mirror. My heart fluttered uncontrollably at the alluring image and I had to take a shaky, deep breath to calm myself down.

Luckily a pressing matter was taking my attention away from such musings and I quickly reached for my breeches and boots. While I cringed at the idea of wearing dirty clothes from yesterday it still beat the alternative, of streaking in a risky outfit, by a wide margin. -’ And come morning I would need to get into them anyway. ‘ I reasoned sternly, while trying to push embarrassment caused by crossdressing considerations to the back of my mind.

Resolved, I slid the clothes on and lowered my legs from the edge of the bed. I paused and took a moment to observe Ethan’s sleeping form, just to make sure that he was indeed asleep. Slight illumination coming from the street bathed the room in light, patches of golden glow made a striking impression as they sharply contrasted with silvery outlines glimmering in the shadows. Somehow, I could easily see through the dark, though in an unusual way. Black patches of shadow brimmed with silvery edges that exposed their hidden secrets. Having different kind of eyesight felt both strange and enthralling, though the unexplainable way it worked was jarring me. I put the thought on hold and noted that Ethan’s eyes seemed closed.

Satisfied, I stood up and quietly tiptoed to the door. I reached for the latch, but stopped midway, to get one last anxious look at Ethan’s unmoving form. I really would rather avoid waking him up and getting an earful of chastising remarks. -’ Hmph. I can take care of myself. ‘ I told myself and finally pressed on the latch.

Luckily Ethan didn’t seem to react to the opening of the door and I easily slipped into the corridor, where I quietly began to creep across creaking wooden floor. Compared to our room the corridor was dark and stifling, mainly due to the lack of windows or other sources of light. Thanks to my low light vision I was still able to navigate through it, but it was different there, unsettling. In my new sigh deep darkness and shadows seemed to live with their own life, they looked like a dreadful kind of wispy mist that willfully moved from place to place, randomly obscuring and deforming details of my vision.

Ethan’s assurances that this inn was safer than it seemed encouraged me forward, while confidence gained from my newfound senses assured me further with the ability to avoid other guests. Still, I wasn’t going to entirely throw the caution to the wind and I kept listening in hopes of avoiding any interaction with other patrons. Sounds of gambling and merrymaking were uplifting, as they came only from a few private rooms while the main room was quiet and seemingly sound asleep.

I approached the staircase and cringed when my feet made contact with a first wooden step, it let out an ominous creak way too loud for my liking. Alarmed, I took a moment to look and listen for anyone possibly alerted by the sound, but no one seemed to take notice. I gritted my teeth and continued downstairs, cringing inwardly at every creaking step that I passed. I shivered upon reaching the ground floor. It felt as if I was being watched, but my nervous glance revealed nothing suspicious. Just a few passed out drunks and bundled up sleeping patrons laying on the ground, both seemed oblivious to my presence.

I looked up the stairs, but there was nothing there. Apart from a fuzzy shadow that could almost pass for a silhouette, though its humanoid form was wispy and indistinct... -’ Stop being paranoid, you are a grown… man and this is just a common inn. There’s no place for monsters and ghosts here! ‘ After chastising myself, I turned away and quickly tiptoed to the back door. Surprisingly enough it wasn’t locked, though, after considering that anyone could rent a place in the main room, I could understand there wasn’t much sense in locking it up. With a last, cautious look at the stairs, to make sure that the shadowy silhouette didn’t appear again, I creaked the door open and slipped outside.

I was welcomed by a cobbled, rectangular courtyard. A wayward torch was hanging on a nearby wall providing me with ample illumination, though for a human the place would likely seem dim and full of ominous shadows. There was a wooden construct in the middle of the square and I looked at it curiously before realizing that it was a roofed well surrounded with drinkers for watering animals. I glanced to my sides where tall buildings were separated by two narrow alleys that led into darkness. Big doors of a stable or coach house took up a sizable portion of the wall on the other side of the square. Next to it there was a fenced off pile of horse manure.

I saw my destination, the auspicious wooden booth was conveniently placed next to the smelly stockpile. -’ At least they seem to disposing of it regularly. ‘ I tried to cheer myself up, but the smell coming from across the courtyard didn’t become any more forthcoming. -’ Still, this could have been so much worse… ‘ With the mirthless thought in mind I took a cautious look around and gladly noted the fact that the plaza and surrounding alleys were empty and silent. Steeling myself inwardly, I moved forward with the intention of handling my business quickly...

The only warning came from an influx of darkness. Wispy tendrils suddenly came from behind my back, coiling around and dimming out the light. I was too slow to process what was happening when a heavy hand suddenly clamped on my mouth, blocking my scream before I could even think about it. My confusion rapidly gave way to a growing panic as I tried to struggle free of my assailant.

With terror I registered the size of my opponent, whose bulging muscles might have as well belonged to a bear. I tried clawing, biting and pounding on the offending hand, but my desperate efforts didn’t work against the thug at all, his vice like grip thoroughly immobilizing my head. Resolutely I tried to wriggle downwards using my full weight, to free my face from the stifling grip and scream for help, but he casually enveloped me with his other arm, effectively suppressing me against his side.

The feeling of helplessness began to creep on me as my renewed efforts only proven how inescapable the grip was. -’ No, no, no, no… ‘ I cried in denial as a cruel realization of what was to come soaked in. My arms flailed wildly in an useless struggle, even with my hands free I couldn’t reach any weak spot that would allow me to fight back. -” Mhuu… “ -’ Please… ‘ A muffled whine escaped my mouth while tears gathered in the corners of my eyes. I shivered powerlessly, as even the ability to shake my head in denial was taken from me.

After straining myself and trying to free myself with an especially hard jerk, I abruptly become aware of the precarious position of his hand on my belly. I froze momentarily when his hand brushed against the buckle of my belt. -” … “ My breath got trapped in my lungs, the realization, the finality of my cruel fate was like a dungeon door slamming shut, crushing all vestiges of hope together with a madly fluttering hummingbird, which was my heart.

-’ NO! ‘ I cried in my mind. Rapid surge of adrenaline flooded my body and I began to thrash wildly, madly kicking the ground and his feet in heedless effort to free myself. But my struggle only seemed to amuse the attacker as his heavy hand easily contained my efforts while sliding down a bit further.

Instinctively I tried to stop, push away, the brutish arm, but my frail arms were too weak for it to work. In clutches of despair I suddenly had a surge of inspiration. -’ My belt! The knife! ‘ My hand shot to my side, reaching for a knife that should still be there. A wave of euphoria crashed into me as I drew the silvery metal, drowning in the feeling of its rough handle. I raised the blade in reversed grip, reflexively aiming for a hand that held me, but then thought better of it and angled the blow for the side of my opponent, where I could leave some significant injury.

-” Muuuu “ Screaming and channeling all of my fear, resentment, fury and hope into a single blow I swung the blade in an arc...

...that was abruptly stopped. I barely registered the movement. The opponent's hand suddenly left my abdomen and caught my wrist, leisurely plucking the knife from my grip with a practiced ease.

-’ Like taking candy from a child… ‘ I froze, shocked by the unwanted thought. Dread began to seep into my body as slim blade fell to the ground, discarded by the effortless whim of my assailant.

While a metallic clang resounded across the square, I could feel something breaking inside me as my last vestiges of hope and resistance were brutally snuffed out. Tightness in my chest disappeared, replaced by listless acceptance and clutching feeling in my stomach. I barely registered humiliating wetness spreading down my thighs. Helpless to do anything I just let my body go limp, leaving myself at the mercy of my attacker.

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Suddenly, I realized that my attacker must have let go of me. I was sitting on the ground, with my knees bent to the sides. A heavy hand fell on my shoulder. -” Just don’t hurt me… ‘ A small, dependent whisper escaped my mouth while my body shivered uncontrollably. I tried not to shrink from the touch, fearful of angering the man. All I could think about was how I wanted to avoid pain…

-” ...Hey! “ A gruff voice resounded and he gave me a rough shake.

-” Iii! “ I yelped, surprised by the hard yank. -’ What have I done wrong?! ‘ I cried to myself, reflexively hugging myself in panic.

-” Almisha! “ Another small shout finally made me register the person in front of me.

-” E-ethan?! “ I stuttered in confusion, as I incomprehensibly gazed around the empty square. -” Waa... “ Overwhelmed by a wave of relief I could only cry and sob in the earnest, paying no mind to the implications…

* * *POV* * *

Vigilance born from years of constant danger woke him up. Soft rustle made by the girl leaving her bed was enough to bring his senses to a full alert. It was well past midnight and the room was drowning in darkness. There was a dim illumination, from a street light coming through the window, but it only served to amplify the shadows instead of banishing them. He waited silently while the girl hesitated at the edge of her bed.

He wanted to let out a sigh of annoyance when the silhouette finally reached for her breeches and boots, though he had to still his breath, he knew too well how keen elven senses were.

Ethan waited silently while Almisha slid her breeches on. On one hand he wanted to stop the sheltered girl, on the other he knew that he shouldn’t. Come tomorrow, he won’t be able to protect her from her own foolishness and it would be in her best interest if she had a parting lesson. Still, that resolution didn’t sit well with him. It was surprising, and he hated to admit it, but during their short time together he grew fond of the girl. Somehow her innocence, keen wit and youthful appearance had quickly endeared herself to him, turning what was at first a simple errand into an enjoyable trip. Ethan wondered if that's what having a daughter would feel like…

-’ That’s it, you are growing senile with age, old man... ‘ He ridiculed himself for even having such thoughts, he was sure that he outgrew such notions long ago, when as a youth he fell for a girl and how utterly stupid it was, not to mention how it ended… Ethan almost shook his head in trepidation, only sizable effort of will stopping him from a movement that would likely alert the girl. -’ ...and lax too. Death beckons.‘ He added, silently chastising himself for lack of discipline that was his lifeline for all those years.

He allowed himself a small, relieved exhale when the girl finally started heading for the door. Any kind of distraction was preferable to inactivity, as he still hated the waiting part of his job, that didn’t make him any less patient though. On the contrary, he made a point out of approaching everything in calm and unhurried manner, an enforced trait that saved him on an occasion more than once… while at all other times it made his life miserable.

Ethan kept his eyes half closed while the girl gave him one last once over, he smirked when she turned her attention to the door, oblivious to his attention. He waited for her to close the door, then he sprang to his feet, like an eager wildcat on the prowl. -’ A really ragged out wildcat. ‘ His lips bent into a forced smirk, as his old body protested the lean movement.

Ethan took a deep breath and focused intently, he didn’t want to give the girl too much of a lead, but at the same time hurrying this would be counterproductive…

Ethan exhaled slowly, letting his attention wander. Contrary to the most other practices manipulating darkness required the user to actually surrender oneself to the flow of power instead of controlling it, thus he had a really bad affinity with it. He slowly but assuredly exerted his will on his surroundings. Coaxing the shadows was an art unto itself and he had to remind himself over and over that he couldn’t just order them around. Normally he would just force the surrounding mana to obey his will and support his efforts, but darkness was different. It required a conscious effort to surrender oneself to it and in turn it would shield the user from sight.

Momentarily there was a change in Ethan’s surroundings, small wisps of dark smoke left their shadowy hiding places and slowly began to creep in his direction. An inexperienced person would find the sight alarming, but Ethan barely noticed the ominous display. Instead, he had to fight down his impatience as misty darkness crept around slowly. As if hesitant, wispy tendrils stopped a feet away from Ethan. Then as if suddenly making the decision they rushed forward and engulfed him in black mist.

-’ Finally. ‘ He thought in relief while struggling to keep his will still, enticing the shadow instead of ordering it. Satisfied he went to the door and entered the corridor, darkness muffling his progress.

*Creak*

Ethan looked in the direction of the stairs. He couldn’t see anything, but the telltale sounds of creaking steps were enough of the guide. Ethan went forward, to catch up with the ditzy girl when shadows suddenly pressed down on him. Obediently he stopped, surrendering himself to the stifling pressure. -’ At least she pays attention to her surroundings. ‘ He thought to himself, while the girl continued her trek downstairs.

Ethan wanted to go forward, but the clutch of shadows still didn’t let go. He could easily shake the pressure, but it would be stupid. As much as he hated it he had to trust the shadows, acting against them rarely worked well.

Finally, the pressure lifted and he felt free to continue. Quickly he made his way downstairs, stifling a shiver as his steps silently passed over the creaking wood. Oily thickness under his boots was really unsettling.

After suppressing the unpleasant feeling Ethan rushed forward to the inn’s backdoor. There he was rewarded with the sight of the girl, who observed her surroundings carefully. -’ But she’s not paying attention to her back. ‘ He sighed and began to consider the situation. -’ Well, since there’s no one to save her from then at least her luck is good. ‘ He winced at the thought, as a priest of a Fatebreaker he had a very low opinion on those who relied on luck, mainly because it was easy for him to turn it against them. He was curious about the girl and what abilities she had due to her unusual origins. -’ I guess I can always play the villain myself, there’s not much hurt in that. ‘

Ethan moved through the door and slowly approached the girl from behind. Luckily the veil of darkness was strong enough to muffle his steps despite the nearby torch. He held his breath, steps away from the girl, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He couldn’t move closer, he was afraid that she would notice his dark silhouette in her peripheral vision. Oblivious to his presence she seemed to look around the courtyard, then she finally looked forward. At that moment he struck.

Ethan released the shows and they surged around him, eager to return to their hiding places. Influx of darkness muffled his quick steps and surprised the girl, making her an easy target to grab. Ethan put a hand over her mouth so she wouldn’t make a scene. -’ Let’s see what a Chosen can do. ‘ He thought to himself as he took a measure of his victim.

Initially she tried to fight back, but quickly found out how useless that was. Ethan was taken a bit off guard when she suddenly tried to slip downwards and almost escaped his grip. He barely managed to use his other arm to catch her.

As she began to trash around and look for a way to reach his eyes he smirked weakly. -’ Slippery and with a bit of good reflexes, but nothing to help you against someone stronger than you. ‘ Ethan casually observed the struggles of the girl. -’ If she was stronger or taller it would have bore some effect, but… well, she’s just a girl. ‘ Thinking to himself leisurely he relaxed his grip to account for her wild movements.

Then she suddenly froze. -’ I guess that’s enough… ‘ As he was going to release the girl she suddenly drew a blade from her belt, which was hidden by the nightgown. -’ Whoa, shii...! ‘

He barely managed to catch her wrist in time, saving himself from a nasty kidney blow. -’ Damn, if she didn’t hesitate briefly before stabbing this wouldn’t be a joke… I am really getting old. ‘ Ethan cursed his carelessness while praising the girl's ruse. He looked down on the girl with a newfound respect and noticed that she grew limp in his grip. -’ Well, enough is enough. ‘ He released his hold.

-” He...y? “ His words froze on his lips as the girl slumped to the ground like a doll.

-” Hey. “ He tried again, but the girl didn’t seem to pay him any attention. She just sat there, her silhouette hidden by her hair. -’ What’s gotten into her? ‘

Puzzled he went in front of her and extended a hand to her shoulder. -” Hey! “ He tried again, but received only an intelligible mumble in return, so he gave her a small shake.

-” Iii. “ She yelped and he noticed that her body was shivering.

-” Almisha? “ Ethan asked in a louder tone, to which girl finally seemed to react.

-” E-ethan? “ She stuttered in confusion, before finally erupting into a loud wail. -” Waaa… “

-” What? “ Confused Ethan could only look around helplessly while the sobbing girl cried in front of him. There was a single thought going through his mind -’ What’s going on? ‘

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Hey~, Mea's here~

Evil chapters are evil. Hope you liked it~

Cheers,

Mea

Ps you too have a feeling that there will be a lot of hate in the next chapter~?

Ps2 Lets face it, Ethan's empathy is rather in the rough love category.