Chapter 39: Enduring

Arriving at the estate I took in the image on our way into the driveway. "I had been away." Far away, where had I been?

A couple of hours had passed. I just needed to run around a bit and get a lay of the land.

I’d become unacquainted with the place I called home.

I never know where the time goes. And soon I ended up back at home slipping off my shoes.

“My bed!” kicking off my shoes at the front door I ran up to my room ignoring Issa the painting Papa loved more than any of Father's sculptures. I had never run so fast for my room. In one jump I leapt up the huge flight of stairs that were in the back of the dining room.

"Where were my parents?!" The bed could wait! I was excited to be home! Who cared if I was going to get my ears pulled off for giving up on school? Running up the stairs, I made way for their room. Turning my head in the opposite direction after making up my mind.

I couldn't stop myself from glancing past the white walls with paintings of Father's side of the family.

"They're not there?" I said disappointed for a second.

A second didn't last long, I became a radar expanding my vision so I could see at three hundred a sixty-degree angle.

Seeing my targets, I ran back down the hallway to my room once again. Looks like they had never left.

Getting to my engraved door I stopped and took it in. Hardwood with stars carved across it. I seamlessly looked on the other side of the door no longer bothered by the matter around me.

I missed this brown matter ignoring the error in the Door's Matter. This was home, a stronghold away from the world.

Opening the door I couldn't wait to hold Papa close and wake Father from sleeping on my bed. There was a first time for everything.

Swinging the door open and ready myself for a short run.

There he was my night. Still in his pajamas sitting on my bed waiting for me like he hadn't moved ever since I left home.

In silence I started crying and laid my head on his lap he had his arms up and open in wait.

"That's right, go ahead and cry my love, it's okay. Everything will be just fine." Papa spoke slowly and softly rubbing my head that missed the hand that washed it when I didn't want to.

We sat for about three hours into the afternoon. Father was dead asleep through the rainstorm.

With my eyes closed I looked at Papa who had teary eyes. From what I didn't know it seemed he had missed me as well.

I could've probably cried forever not knowing why.

"Do you feel better now?" he asked.

"A little," I said turning my face on his soft pajamas that were now stained with saliva and tears.

"Ignorance is bliss isn't it my little love." He whispered into my ear.

"Now remember." I wasn't allowed to disobey Papa. How could I when he never asked for much in return for all that encompassed what he gave? Crying even harder tears burning my eyes. My body was left shaking after all that I had gone through.

The system had given me notifications but even without them, I felt in my very heart what I had done.

Stuttering my words “No, Papa, I don't think I can live with being a murderer.”

The sun shone through my windows. yellow, orange the softest of white, and lastly Dark matter that didn't belong.

“My little love. My little Eden Eve, it is not your fault. Your brother has taken lives, because of your mistakes. He knows that mistakes will always be made. That's why he never blames you, and I, or your father for that matter. When we slip up he's forced to sit back and watch. Between me and you, it is the truth; we all make mistakes."

"What matters is what you do after, to make up for it. What matters is learning from those mistakes. So, they won't affect the people around you."

"Accountability," I added.

"Exactly my love, so how do you constantly take accountability for your mistakes? I say "Constantly", because this is not your first and it will not be your last."

"I don't make that many mistakes," frowning in defeat. "What about those thieves who stole that worthless amulet? I'm pretty sure you and him both had a part to play in that little misadventure. Getting kidnapped was surely a big mistake on your part. Had me scared to death! Knowing I couldn't be there for you. That's just the half of your mistakes but I guess this one instance could be called ours."

“Then what other mistakes are you talking about Papa? There's nothing worse than what I did.”

“Well, Adena, why do you think I call you Eden Eve? And Adi knows the true meaning behind the name. It is you, and your father who choose to ignore its meaning." I sat in silence resting my head on Papa’s lap because Father lay sound asleep behind us. He rarely slept during the day. "I see you've been noticing the differences between this world and the real one." Finally, confirmation. I hate feeling like I'm losing my mind. What I didn't expect was for Papa to read my mind. “Yes, your Father is tired so he’s trying his very best to stay awake and endure the real world. He'll be fine. He could wake up any minute now. This is the world only you three can visit. Though, it's harder for your father to visit here.”

“Then how are you here?” I asked, still thinking about my name’s hidden meaning.

“Adena you and Adonin have looked at me with those pretty little eyes countless times. I am a copy of a clone. I know what both Adonin and you know. I am the spitting image of Elijah material-wise, shaped by what Adi unknowingly and knowingly envisioned. I am a creation forged from both nothing and everything. When it comes down to it, I am me." Well, that's confusing.

“Don’t say it doesn't make sense, you understand it well enough.” Fine, I guess I get it.

“Getting to it, little Eden Eve. Eve refers to the first woman in the Garden of Eden. You are no woman. Maybe in the future given a lot of time.” he looked down, petting my head.

“Seven years?” I asked. “Oh, honey seven hundred give or take you’ll figure it out eventually, there's no rush. In time. Just try your best to enjoy the garden as you want to see it.”

“What do you mean the Garden as I want to see it?” this was going to take a while.

"The garden refers to the world around you. As for how you want to see it, you have always been throwing the parts of life you don’t want to experience over to Adonin. He already lives in your shadow like Eden once did Adam. It was you who stole the life that was first his. It was you who took more than just his rib you took his life and the world along with it. No, worries my love he enjoys the darkness even though there was a time when it was not so. Don’t take a Brother like that for granted. I could've used a brother like that back in my day.”

“So, you're saying I murdered Adi?” My eyes were teary, but I knew not to cry in front of Papa again. He was patient with me, but he still hated it. He allowed me to be sad even when my life was sunshine and rainbows. It was me who made everything.

“Think about it, what does it mean to take a life? How are you burdening your brother with the darkest parts of your life even now?”

“To take a life is to end a life_ A person has only so much in this world. To take a life is to rob that person of their remaining time. A person's time can’t be measured because it can’t be earned or given back. Only taken and taken for granted.” Wow, would you look at that I had my meaning of death?

“My smart girl, yes, it is wrong to take the lives of the innocent. You will have to live with that burden one day. Adonin at the moment has decided to take that burden for you again. It shall someday when you return to the garden. Fear not, me and your father will look at you no differently when you get back on earth.”

“I guess I did take Adi’s life when you think about it.” Wow, I was a monster even at birth.

“See even now you choose to hide from the truth. You just can’t help it. Adena my child, what happened next? What happened after you took the life of thousands? How did you get here?"

“I, How did I get here?” That question dawned on me, where was I???

“Eden you are in the garden Adonin made in his Image. He loved sleeping in Nothing but even he had to wake up and face his reality. A baby woke up in Nothing and wanted nothing more than the Papa he had shied away from. In my absence, this place was birthed."

He created his own. “That’s sad.” Depressing really.

“Yes, I would be mortified to learn of this place’s existence and to think I had failed as a parent the very day he was born. I am happy though that he doesn’t resent you or kill you even though he knows he could. He never did kill you. I truly wonder why?”

“I thought you knew everything we knew?” Papa doesn’t lie.

Changing the subject Papa spoke. “Adena tell me what you gave to Adi, that you will now promise to take back?"

My memories were one thing but there was much more I didn't want to see.

I was keeping myself in a bubble. Ignorance is bliss.

Speaking up I took back some of what belonged to me.

“I was tormented by many souls after taking those lives. I can also see here where this is pretty clear. I've never been able to see this far as if I were the sun itself. Someone is screaming over there in agony; I got up and walked to the window on the right side of my room pointing to red clouds far off in the distance.” It was the truth only the fear of knowing hadn’t come for me yet where was it?

I had cried my eyes out for hours but something about it, still felt off. Just like those red thundering clouds in the distance I felt clouded over like there was something I just couldn't see while I was here.

“There we go my girl you have your answer. This place will always be off but on. That sun there belongs to you as it does him. It is your will to live, the essence of your life, one of many. [Eternal Sunshine] was the skill so pay more attention to that system don't let it best you. Weaknesses can be taken advantage of as your father would put it."

Noted. There’s no way, I'm a literal sun. I didn't believe him.

"But you are my love. You wanted to be the sun as a child and Adi made you just that." Odd, I don't recall ever coming here.

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His tone became darker as he spoke again, and I listened. "While we’re at it Adena do you consider your brother a monster?” What type of question is that?

“At first, I did when you first told me about him but now. No, he's not a monster.”

“Ahh gotcha I know when you're lying. Yes, he is a monster of a sort but that doesn't make him any less human. The special thing about Adi is he never stops trying to be like us. No matter how many lives he may take. It all still means nothing to him. Though he'd prefer not to, when he doesn't have to, he still does, out of possibility and chance. for instance, killing that thief."

Cryptic didn't get that one. "He did what!?!"

"He is the spitting image of your father but worse he was taught to hide how he truly feels by watching me. What he truly feels as far as anyone can tell is nothing. That is his origin but not his entirety."

“That’s impossible, you're saying Father doesn't feel anything?” Papa would try to skip over the murdering part. Then again, they kind of deserved it. Didn't they?

“No, he loves us with his entire being. Only that love when measured with everything else in the entire world means nothing.”

“That makes no sense.”

“Precisely, we can never understand those Adousa because you have what he doesn't.”

“[Eternal Sunshine]" I voiced.

“Now you get the jest of it. You have [Eternal Sunshine] and more,” he replied.

“And you don’t know the extent of the skill because I haven't used it yet.” I was getting the hang of it like Papa said.

“Before you ask why he keeps you alive. To sum it up, it's because we love you. It’s almost time to wake up by the way.” He spoke calmly as if I hadn't gone without him and Father.

“What do you mean it's time to leave? I’ve just got here!”

"My little Eden do me a favor and care for Clivent Bane the best you can. I would worry for him." Papa doesn't even know Clivent-

Closing my eyes, I felt sleepy.

No, I didn't feel sleepy. I was being forced to sleep.

“Adi wait, I'm not ready to go back-!” I shouted trying to stay awake in a yawn.

“What bothers the sleepy little girl? ” I could hear him inside my head like usual.

“What happened to all those souls? How did I get here? How can I come back?” So many questions.

"Adonin stop messing around with your sister."

Trying my best to stay awake my eyelids just kept getting heavier and heavier.

“As for the souls, they're safe. You arrived here when someone tried to take over your soul, as in horror movie possession. A dumb idea on his part. If you look at your system menu maybe, you’ll piece it together. I'm busy. The only time you’ll be allowed back is in your dreams. With that said- Oh, actually Clivent kind of died and was reborn he’s nameless now, you should help rename him after you're done crying. Don't worry about it. Be wary of Glothmin the dwarf, eighty percent sure he’s half-succubus or something. Just remember the rules Papa told you before school.”

“Are you ready to go back now?” He's joking, right?

“No, not I'm not ready!” I hate how he keeps responding to my questions like he's got other important things to worry about.

“When did Clivent Die?! HOW!?!! Who’s Glothmen?!!”

“You can ask him. It’s only been about an hour or two at most since you killed all those people. I’ll try my best to let you get an hour of sleep. You don’t have to worry about telling Clivent our secret, I'll be the one to tell him. Enjoy the snow and make some angels. Have fun in the garden Eden.”

"Don't call me-"

Drifting off into a deep sleep Adi’s voice only got lower and I knew he was doing it on purpose.

Well, at least I'd gotten to see Papa.

After I had drifted off to sleep a wooden door identical to the one in my bedroom appeared above me out of thin air. The wooden door creaked open like it hadn't been open in years.

My body flew into the air right through the door floating above my bed like gravity had given up on holding me down. I was sucked into a vacuum that lead to nowhere.

---------

Somewhere near the highest peak of the Fallohum Mountain in an Icy crystalized cave lay the pristine fresh corpse of the Dravine of Cold Soul.

High-level thieves halfway across the continent could momentarily smell the thrill of the treasure untouched carried by the wind. The wind blows past the hand of a cutthroat man whose hands itch something fierce. The first on a list of harmless burning sensations that couldn't be ignored. A woman's hair stood on end towards a single direction, Fae and the fantastical smelled the call of the unclaimed. Those with a system and without had thought about what could have been so valuable to set off the senses of those of mystery and lore.

On the other hand, you didn't have to be from "Mystery or Lore" to know that the Mountains of Fallohum had something to offer. You could be a High-class idiot and decide to head for the hills, a Kin seeking shelter inside the Sleeping Kingdom, or a collector turned thief eyeing the castle on the hill. Some would pack their bags on a hunch, others would risk it all for treasures of a lifetime. All it took was a skill to be set off or a sense to be tested. This moment called for action. Actions, that had to be made at a moment's notice. A moment that wouldn’t last.

The carcass had been drained of every drop of liquid that once resided inside the Dravine of the cold soul. In just under twenty minutes not a bone or drop of blood, semen, or bodily fluid would be left.

As for the treasure and domain of the deceased dragon deemed by the system. The assets would be under a new name.

Izocol was no longer Titled "The Dravine of the Cold Soul and Killer of Kin," and the Book of Life detailing every action made by the Dravine in mind, body, and soul including name. All of this and more were being repurposed to one Boy's demands and commands. The lands were under new management, but no one would ever know until that fact had been brought to attention. But by whom? Who knew? Fallohum Mountain was slowly turning from the land of snow and cold into the land of the forgotten.

Until the Boy himself realized the effects of having his Domain. The Kingdom of Fallohum and its residents would be in even graver danger, would that change the multiple predicaments the kingdom was already in? What was the difference between danger and peril?

=====

I woke up on a floor at least it wasn’t cold for some reason I felt that would be even worse. The system could eat shit for now. Rubbing my eyes and looking at my hands. Weird a second there I thought I saw scales on my arms.

*Bing!*

“Noooo!, don't start please!” I shouted randomly hoping my mind wasn't going to get jumped by robotic system notifications.

[Yes, Master, I understand your signs of grief caused by the system. I will silence myself until further notice.]

“What!” That didn't seem right I had the system for a day now and whatever this was seemed off.

("TWO SECONDS LATER..")

[Hi, I am (Unnamed) one of two systems given sentience by Adena, my creator the Metaphysical Mother.]

“Okay, thanks," I thought, directing the words to the system. Maybe it won't be so bad.

[You are welcome. (Unnamed System) would also silence the system kill notifications until further notice.]

Gosh, that's way quieter than the constant ringing I could cry.

“I could cry.” This was the best news I'd heard all day.

[(Unnamed System) would also like to warn you of the risks of not classing up. The acquisition of too many titles without- (Unnamed System) Is unauthorized to say anything further.]

“Ewww, don't cry Human. I'm not in the mood. It's been a day.” I heard the nagging voice of what sounded like an Old man from behind a counter made of stony burnt-looking flesh.

I could see, two people, maybe.

I was at a loss for words. I was seeing things wrong.

Trying my best to keep calm. "Number one, am I in someone's stomach? Number two, who are these people?

The two people approaching were opposites, one filled with White matter to the brim slowly filling with red and even a couple of specks of black. That was impossible, right?

The other person had the earth tones of a Dwarf. I had seen many Dwarves on the way to the Hall. Only this one’s matter was being forced to contend with a purple mist or mass that looked like it wanted to eat the natural matter that Dwarven bodies were usually composed of. Even I had a feeling if the purple mist got its way it would be brutal or something worse off.

Walking from behind the counter one wary and the other covered in the whitest fur I had ever seen. I wanted to hold in my scream as the thing blinding my vision grabbed my attention.

I didn’t know whether to bow to it, hug it, or attack it. My arms itched just a bit telling me I could somehow get away with the latter. Wait a minute, I protect myself when I need to but I'm not a violent person.

[ Adena would you like to turn off the passive effects of Titles {Dragon Slayer} and {Dravine Slayer" around the Abomination... Correction, Clivent Bane’s remains?]

"Umm Yes", I guess I got my answer. I wanted to cry but I just held it all down.

I’m not crying in front of that succubus icky he’d probably get off on my suffering or something.

“What did I do to earn your disgust, young Human?” I assume that you're a succubus, that's all the proof I need. How the hell! Wait-

“Clivent is that you!?” He looked odd or amazing. It was up for debate like a wolf, a human dragon. Okay, maybe I am bad at names and describing things. He looked like a fluff ball for sure.

“I am of Clivent. Adi says that we should head outside. Before system Initialization starts.” Weird, when did he speak to Adi? I was out only a couple of hours. I don't recall him saying we switched places. That seemed like important information.

“I Didn’t” he chimed in. Don't you just love that little squeaky-clean voice? There’s my big brother of uncaring concern. Thinking of him having his world, I rolled my eyes.

"I'm a bit hungry. Can I freshen up first? Is that okay with you?"

“That's fine, I too-” New Clivent signed as Glothmin looked at me in curiosity.

“Lies.” Adi simply stated.

Okay, I guess I don't have time to freshen up. Rag's it is.

“Clivent what are you lying about what's wrong?” I had to ask him if Adonin cared about this ball of bright white fur and pink face. Man just looking at him gives me a headache.

Is this guy being censored I can't even see his face.

“System Initialization halted, an hour ago. Incredibly uncomfortable, every breath.”

“Wait did you say system initialization!!”

“Yes, Adi said it would hurt.” Excruciating is the word.

“You understand that he’s Adi right.” The Thing whatever he was shrugged.

Heading towards the door. I followed the Thing, any suspicion that I should've had was gone.

“Help him.” Adonin didn’t ask, he warned. I was a little scared not going to lie. He never really asked me for anything. Only instructed me to do things and warned me.

Was that even a question that sounded like a demand?

[(Unnamed System} Hi, I recommend the use of skills [Matter Manipulation], [Taker of Tongue], [Eternal Sunshine], [Eyes of Watcher], and [Voice of an Angel] good luck Adena. System (AdoninSMCR) would also like to remind you that Clivent Bane is dead you're making the {Bonded} uncomfortable.]

Did he name his system after himself? That's so ... narcissistic.

[Wrong, I am the only Adonin. If Snowball dies, I'll blame you. It's well within your power to help him survive initialization.]

I shivered “he's everywhere.” It hadn’t even been a week and he’s inside the system. What about sleep?

“Sleeping,” He whispered sounding like he once did back on Earth. Quiet to the point I could barely notice him there, to the point I thought his mental words were my own. That's how intrusive he was.

"There's no upstaging this one." Out the door we went I didn’t look back. There was a Dwarf who followed behind me watching my every move. The weirdo.

I focused on the New Clivent in front of me. Looking at him was kind of giving me a headache but I was clinging, hoping, desperately wishing for similarities between the two. I hadn't gotten to know Clivent but I think I wanted to, or at least his reason for helping Adi and me.

We walked through an alley with trash on one side of the street. The first time I had been in an alley. There is not much to see here but piles of garbage, brown, brown, and more brown. How poetic, it almost mirrors the city of brick, brick, and more brick.

My eyes from that point on were stuck on the fluff ball. I couldn't get past the fact that he looked like a white cotton ball-shaped glow stick.

"Do any of you two have a coat, it's snowing out here?" I wasn't the slightest bit cold, and that was weirding me out. These clothes are made out of linen, I think. They weren't going to cut it.