“Lurking in the darkest corners of the worlds are beings of legend and myths. Some are little more than stories told to terrify children, but others are very real dangers. At least to weak mortals.”
~ Veles’ offhanded comment regarding legendary entities.
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The twisted, surreal trees transitioned into exaggerated forms of verdant growth as Serena neared a weather-beaten wooden fence guarding a stone pathway. Unexpectedly, cherry blossom trees, ever in bloom, flanked the path. Their petals, however, weren't the pristine white or soft pink Serena knew, but were painted the shade of fresh blood.
The perpetual blooming and falling of the blossoms triggered a memory: a legend that spoke of the cherry trees absorbing the essence of spilled blood. They thrived atop graves, drawing sustenance from those buried beneath.
The entrance gate, scarred by age, was festooned with numerous talismans. Each appeared aged, weathered by exposure to the palpable malevolent energy permeating this realm.
The rhythmic thud of her heartbeat filled Serena's ears as she gently pushed the gate open. It responded with a haunting creak. It ensnared the path ahead in thorny undergrowth, threatening to trip her. She treaded cautiously, keenly aware of the looming trees with their limbs reaching upwards like the hands of the dead. It felt as if these trees, possibly sentient, watched her every move.
Ahead, a slight disturbance caught her eye near a long-forgotten mansion that stood imposingly. As she approached, the building's eerie charm captivated her. Ivy enveloped the structure, reflecting an ethereal sheen in the moon's glow. Despite broken windows and a near-detached door, the mansion's structure resisted the tests of time.
With determined steps and the sound of gravel underfoot, Serena approached the entrance. The door, with a reluctant creak, yielded to her push, unveiling the shadowy interior. An immediate chill coursed down her spine, the sensation of unseen eyes on her undeniable. Yet, she persevered.
The groaning floorboards accompanied her steps, and the surrounding air was rife with the smell of decay. The mansion's walls showcased aged depictions of cherry blossoms trees, but these trees bore immaculate white blossoms–a stark contrast to the crimson petals outside.
Mesmerized, Serena's fingertips grazed the textured surface of the artwork as she delved deeper into the mansion's confines.
Suddenly, a noise behind made her spin around, but there was only the familiar creak of the aging structure. She exhaled, placing a hand over her racing heart, attempting to calm her jittery nerves.
"Just when I believed the worlds had forsaken me."
Serena halted abruptly, the sight unfolding before her nearly causing her heart to skip a beat.
A statuesque man, hair shimmering like liquid silver, cascaded down his back in gentle waves. His dusky skin contrasted sharply with his piercing, almost luminescent, pale blue eyes. He was draped in a garment that flowed like a river of dark silk, reminiscent of the night sky.
Transfixed, Serena's voice seemed to have abandoned her, as she tried to fathom whether the figure before her was a ghostly apparition or a mere illusion.
"You appear taken aback," the man intoned, his voice rich yet eerily captivating. "Did you not venture here willingly?"
Regaining her composure, Serena murmured, "Who are you?"
His lips curved, not in warmth but with an almost predatory intent. "I've been given many names over the ages, but few remain who recall them," he mused. "Yet, you, young one, have effortlessly bypassed barriers that I've labored centuries to escape from. How did you accomplish such a feat? What draws a being like you to this place?"
"An unexpected surge of aether redirected me here when I attempted to traverse a shadow portal bound for the realm of Aiva. Having no other recourse upon my arrival, I followed the stone pathway to this structure, hoping to find a way out," Serena recounted.
"In the extensive duration of my confinement, no other has tread these halls. Yet, there's an undeniable truth to your claim. I could aid your departure, but it demands an agreement. Share more about yourself," the enigmatic man urged. Serena sensed his vast, oppressive presence, feeling his scrutinizing gaze piercing through her.
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Introducing herself, she stated, "I am Serena Araceli, apprenticed to Veles Silvertongue, the esteemed Sect Leader of the Transcendent Sect within the Celestial Empire." She hesitated momentarily, contemplating her next words. "I was commissioned to assist a mortal queen in rescuing her realm. Alas, my journey led me here. I'm willing to consider a pact with you."
"You're willing to bind yourself to an unknown entity, all in the hopes of escaping this realm?"
"In my predicament, there's a scarcity of preferable alternatives. And, if I may be so bold, it seems you, too, are in a bind."
The man's laughter resonated, filling the silent corridors with an eerie resonance. "Your courage is commendable, Serena Araceli. I accept your proposal. But heed this: once our agreement is forged, you're bound to its terms until fulfilled or annulled by either of us. There's no turning back."
Gathering her resolve, Serena drew a steadying breath. She recognized the gravity of her choice. But escape from this ominous domain was paramount. "I comprehend the stakes," she affirmed with unwavering conviction.
"Very well," the entity declared, stretching out his hand. "Let us seal our pact." Serena hesitated, taking a cautious step backward, eliciting another rich chuckle from the being. "Am I truly so fearsome to you?"
For a lingering moment, Serena's eyes remained locked onto his. When she finally responded, her words carried a candidness she rarely allowed. "You exude an aura of duplicity and danger, more so than anyone I've ever met. And remember, I was mentored by one who could make even devils green with envy. If it wasn't for your obvious imprisonment here, and my assumption that there must be a profound reason for such a confinement, it would be the palpable darkness you radiate that gives me pause. Naturally, I'm wary." Taking a sharp inhale, she held her breath, mentally counted, then exhaled slowly. The practice barely tempered her trepidation, but it granted her enough clarity to continue the discourse. "But circumstances have made me a pragmatist, and it's clear we can be of use to one another, Mafuyu."
His expression, initially one of amusement, shifted to sheer surprise as she uttered the name. Taking a moment to compose himself, he responded, not with a rebuttal, but with renewed interest.
"I'll wear that name if it pleases you. Now, clarify what you bring to the table," Mafuyu challenged, a sardonic smile gracing his lips.
"Your liberation."
In an instant, the palpable menace surrounding Mafuyu dissipated, replaced by intrigue. While this change was encouraging, Serena was all too aware of the precarious path she trod.
"Explain how you intend to 'redeem' me," he quipped, drawing particular emphasis on 'redeem'.
She mentally retorted, As if salvation is within your reach.
"Given your ethereal confinement here, it's evident your powers have waned. The incantations I sensed surrounding this mansion likely come from those who sought your seclusion," she posited.
Mafuyu's slight nod, though subtle, validated her deduction.
"The extensive measures enacted to bind you indicate you hold something—knowledge or prowess—that intimidates them," Serena added. "Releasing you, even diminished as you are, would undeniably be a gamble."
Pausing, she weighed her forthcoming proposition once more. The silence stretched between them before she finally broke it.
"I suggest acting as your bridge to realms beyond this prison. I can inscribe an anchor within my tome, granting you a fresh domain. My expertise and resources will be yours, in return for the same from you. Should you wish to reclaim your potency or even manifest physically again, I'm willing to aid in that endeavor. Your capabilities, insights, and assets would greatly further my objectives."
"Are you not apprehensive about the potential for betrayal or my taking over your body?" Mafuyu inquired.
Serena countered with a confident grin. "Actually, I had intended to propose a clause: should I face imminent danger or sustain serious injuries, you'd be permitted to temporarily inhabit me to navigate the situation. Full possession, however, would hinge on a deeper trust. You'd be granted restricted control over my actions for defense or offense. As for betrayal, considering your limited allies and resources, it'd be an imprudent move on your part."
"And if you're unperturbed by betrayal or possession, are you likewise dismissive of my intentions once I reclaim my power?"
"From my observations, I'd classify you as a spirit driven by vengeance. I have little doubt that, given the opportunity, you'd retaliate against your captors. But it's highly probable those adversaries have long been vanquished. Their realms might have either reset or been entirely destroyed. You may cross paths with a descendent of those who imprisoned you, but it's unlikely they'd hold the same influence as their forebears. I trust in the resilience of our pact, regardless of evolving dynamics."
Mafuyu paused, reflecting on her analysis, his eyes taking on a contemplative glint. "You have a discerning mind, Serena. I accept your terms. I pledge my knowledge and prowess to serve our common goal."
Serena felt a palpable sense of relief, grateful to have secured an ally in this desolate realm. "Thank you, Mafuyu."
"Do not rush to thank me, Serena Araceli. Our alliance is nascent." Mafuyu's eyes sharpened, subtly underscoring that, despite their agreement, he remained a force to be reckoned with.
Serena responded evenly, "I'm aware. What's our next step?"
"We must forge the anchors. I'll instruct you. Once that's done, we can strategize our departure." Mafuyu proffered his hand once more, and Serena, showing no sign of reticence, clasped it firmly. The pact was solidified, sealing their shared fate.