Power to be sought, power to be tamed, power to be gained. Be it for the sake of strength, beauty, or treasures beyond imagination. People seek it to unlock their dreams. This rings especially true for a certain dragon girl. But others, as well, might seek its endowment. And in a world where resources are finite, there is not enough for everyone to share.

At least that is what they tell us. That instead of equally sharing their power, people prefer to claw it away from others. In a dance of lies and betrayal. A tale as old as time.

"One" was filled with spite and Deceit,

"One" tired to fight for the Weak,

and "One" fell from the sky in Defeat.

"One" was condemned for the Hersey that they spoke.

"One" was betrayed by the Strength that awoke,

and "One" was denied the Heights that they sought.

But above all, one of them would-

---

The red-eyed girl covered in red blood bit into the red fruit under a near-ending red sunset in a partially red forest. Honestly, I'm beginning to grow tired of all the red. Can't we have some blue or purple at least? The saying goes that the world is a small place, but that doesn't mean it all has to look the same. Soon I might go colorblind from overworking my red eye-receptors.

I mused as the girl asked for seconds. Not a chef to turn away an appreciative customer I opened another fruit and gave it to her. Then she downed it just as fast as the one before that one. Then another refill, and another, and another.

I know I said that she looked a bit malnourished, but isn't this a bit too much? Honestly, soon she will have consumed more than twice her body weight in pure fruit. What is even more impressive is the fact that despite chugging liter after liter her form does not change and her body volume remains the exact same. One must wonder where she makes space for all those nutrients. It is as if I'm watching my perception of physics get destroyed before my very eyes. Who would think that one fluffy girl could break the world? Where can one learn such power? I must inquire.

"I see you like the fruit?"

Damn me and my crippling social skills!

"Um yeah. I have tried to open these soul fruits for days now but I couldn't even leave a scratch on them."

"Is that so"

"Yeah so, um, thank you"

The girl bowed her head awkwardly. It drew my attention, but not the bowing part. Rather, my eyes were spellbound by what was on top of her head. 2 fluffy animal ears poked out from her black hair. Black outside and white on the inside. What I had originally thought to be cotton ball mittens were actually ears. Some part of my soul exclaimed in delight at the sight. As if it was a child who had met Santa for the first time(whoever that was supposed to be). It was screaming at me to touch them, to feel the fluff, and I complied. I reached out with my hand, eyes never leaving the fluff.

Or they did so until I noticed her face.

Sharp red eyes staring at sharper obsidian claws. She leaned her head back on instinct, eyes a bit fearful. Then a second clawed hand reached out for the first, interrupting its endeavor, holding it back.

Non-consensual head pats is a line I refuse to cross.

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The first hand was lowered by its counterpart. As if taken into custody by the law. It ended up complying, though reluctantly. The second hand did not berate them, however. For it too was drawn towards the fluff, but it adhered to its duty and morals, acting as a true upholder of the law.

Oh right, the girl. While I had an inner conflict about morals and fluff, I had again forgotten to whom the fluffy ears were attached. Realizing the implications behind my actions; that she might have realized my intentions, I decided to quickly defuse the situation.

"Ah yes, fair lady, I see that the fruit has given you a great bounty."

"Umm, you can see that? I didn't get any skills from it though, only a +1 to Vitality. Not that it is anything to scoff at."

She started relaxing, though a bit confused, even showing a delightful smile, as if to brag. Great.

"Also, umm, why are you talking like that? It's a bit weird"

...Rude.

---

Besides that little incident and the awkwardness that followed, the conversation continued on fine. Actually, it might have gone more than fine. When I finally took a pause from our conversation and looked around, I was met with a brighter landscape than I remembered.

It seemed that the sun had reappeared from its hiding spot, though opposite from where I had last seen it, casting long shadows around me, as white mist once more appeared. A reminiscent view that I had long since gotten used to. If I had to pick one thing that seemed a bit unusual though, it would be the small tints of green surrounding the bright red sun. Maybe my colour receptors really had gone bonkers?

Looking to the side I saw that the girl was still chuging.

Woah. From dusk to dawn. Some people are just built different I guess?

Feeling a bit sleepy myself, I decided to take a nap, by my own choice for once. Laying on the ground, I curled up my body, turning head and tail inwards.

Huh, it really grew quite a bit longer. Also, why is there a crystal at the end? I don't remember it being there before.

I did not have long to try and comprehend it though, as my mind traded the first light of day for the calming darkness of its inner sea.

---

(???): Finally asleep huh? She wasn't even under the effect of the Soul Fruit, yet remained awake til dawn, and a Quarter Solstice dawn at that. Hey, wolfkin, keeping her awake all night was not a part of the deal. Care to explain why you let her stay up?

The error was directed at the girl as she threw a dried log into the fire. The wood began to kindle in the corner of her eyes, ever glowing red, and she responded in kind.

"I don't remember there being anything like that in the contract."

The girl said bluntly. Her bluntness did not appear to be an act of sassiness, at least not on the surface. She simply wasn't used to talking to people, preferring to stay silent when unnecessary.

(???): Maybe, but it would not hurt you to be a bit more kind towards your clients.

"Aren't I the client?"

(???): What?

"I'm offering you assistance, and in return, you give me information."

(???): No I'm offering YOU assistance, and you pay me back by helping me fulfill my "duty".

"So I'm the client then."

(???): ... Well, it seems I have been played like a fiddle. You are a lot smarter than you look, despite your peerage and lack of eloquence.

"..."

The girl fell silent at the error words, tightening her grip. It was as if downpours and rainclouds had encased over her previous mood and spirit. Looking at her downcast appearance, the error was taken aback. Taking a second to think, the error decided to backtrack.

(???): cough* Anyway, there is no use arguing. As long as we both fulfill our end of the deal, it will be more of a trade than a transaction. And on that topic; got any luck?

"No. No prana skills, no melee skills, just a leadership skill and a [Lesser Vitality] level up"

(???): That is still very good. It will make our plans a lot easier down the line. Also why the sad face? In just a day's amount of work, you both gained and leveled a skill. Going by the standard, that is quite amazing. Though not like anything about you goes by the standard anyway.

The girl grew agitated at that last part, tightening her grip even more. You could hear the wood crackle, its support burning away.

(???): S-So the chances of us finding the correct skill are still on our side. I mean just look around you at all the Soul Fruit. One of them has to be the one we are looking for! Just a few more and you are good to go for when your next [Ascen-

And the final straw was pulled, wood consumed, and she struck the dagger-like object into the ground. Letting go of it as cracks spread and the voice began to fade. Her anger had broken through and now she was left alone, her only company being the rising sun on the horizon and faintly warm charcoal.

As her mind returned to its usual silence, her wrath began to dissipate. She bent down to the ground and gripped her legs, holding them close to her chest.

"Time is running out"

She said as the cold morning mist passed her by, making her shake in response, though only for a moment.