Chapter 10: [Hime Lioness]
The train rattled on, its wheels screeching against the tracks. Shadows danced mysteriously along the walls, casting flickering shapes that whispered secrets. The soft hum of conversation among the passengers was laced with an underlying unease.
'You only have your inexperience to blame for this', Diablos warned, walking beside Leon. No others could see his demon, like a ghost preserved for his eyes alone.
'Being captured with the threat of death is like a common inconvenience for you, eh, Diablos?' Leon asked, his brow furrowing.
'The threat of death is common to all, boy. And I do not get captured. That is what separates you and me', Diablos responded. 'Another layer of your incompetence.'
It was the usual ender to Diablos's sentences, yet Leon grinned. 'I started like two days ago. Cut me some slack, big boss man.'
'The only slack you'll receive is at the end of a noose at the rate you're going,' Diablos warned, a growl hidden in his brooding voice.
Leon couldn't help but chuckle. 'You have a dark sense of humor… On that note, all this time you’ve been awake inside of me? Those years with Iris and Cynthia… or before she even erased my memories?'
Diablos grew silent. I hadn’t awakened until a year ago. Whatever you had done before that point, I was blissfully unaware.
Why did you wait so long to wake up? Obviously Iris wasn’t concerned with training me anything but martial arts yet. A little useless against a literal god. I doubt you cared about my so-called insignificant normal life. If you could even call anything about my life normal. With half the bitching you do about me being weak, we probably couldn’ve been way more prepared if you had said something then. He looked down at his reflection in the sleek floors, Diablos staring back at him.
…A year ago, I fought Death before the night I presume your sister went missing. That stupid girl, Cynthia, stabbed me with the holy sword, Lux, before I could destroy her once and for all. Time ceased to exist for me. When it began to flow once more, you were being confronted by Death again. That ridiculous girl must’ve been the cause… for the same reasons she tampered with your mind.
The same sword Cynthia tried to kill me with three years ago… the same year as the cruise. It didn’t work before, so why then…? Still funny to imagine she went from my assassin to my girlfriend after I saved her from drowning in that lake. If anything about how she acted and told me was true, her home life was more than miserable. Would explain why she pretended to be Katie… I doubt they had anyone they could trust before they met me.
As for my sister, why am I not surprised? If Iris is strong enough to block my memories, blocking you would be the only thing that could ruin the perfect little life she was forcing me to live… I’m sure she did it to protect me, but look at us now. How the hell am I supposed to accomplish anything with nothing but fire and martial arts? …Guess I’ll add that to the list of questions to throw her way if Death hasn’t completely erased her from her body. Is that even possible?
I do not know. I didn’t even know it was possible for ME to be sealed, let alone the most powerful entity to plague this earth. …There’s more to this than you and your sister, but now is not the time. We must remain vigilant. Forget about these pointless questions until you can escape this mess!
Leon mockingly saluted him. Aye aye, demon slave driver sir!
As they weaved through the train, Leon's eyes fell upon Hime, who seemed unusually cheerful. When their eyes met, she turned away bashfully. She covered her mouth, suppressing a giggle. 'What is she so giddy about?' Leon raised an eyebrow, his hands in his pockets. 'Don't tell me she has a crush on me? Is that why I'm the only one not wrapped in chains? The last thing I need is another ‘super-powered admirer.'
You had her spare our greatest enemy, second only to Death itself. At least this one would prove more trustworthy than your previous choices, Diablos said.
With a twinge of annoyance, Leon sighed. I hate how twisted yet logical you are. Were you always like this?
Diablos growled. That isn't important. Stay vigilant.
The train barreled forward, its relentless speed matching the pounding of Leon's heart. Trees and grass blurred past them, their colors blending into a kaleidoscope of motion.
As Leon moved through a large compartment, he couldn't help but notice the uneasy tension that hung in the air. Several people occupied the seats, their expressions mixed with fear and apprehension. A plump, dark-haired woman clutched her children tightly, casting a wary glance at Hime. The children looked at them curiously, some curious, others tearful and scared. Their parents looked stressed, weary eyed, and jittery as if they had hardly slept.
"Don't stare at him, honey. We don’t want to offend them," the mother said as her daughter started crying.
Gritting his teeth, Leon pressed on, passing troops and civilians alike. The tension thickened, and the civilians went to great lengths to avoid making eye contact. Leon stopped and broke the tension by asking, “Are you the people of Galadius Town? You don't need to be afraid of me. I'm not going to hurt you.”
The people around them exchanged nervous glances. "You are correct. Forgive us, Lord Diablos," a man stuttered, cowering under Hime's intense gaze. “We didn’t mean to offend.”
Leon noticed her expression and sighed. "Why are you looking at them like that? Just what are you trying to accomplish, taking these people and scaring them into submission? Is that the theme of your kingdom?"
A collective hush fell over the compartment as everyone's eyes darted between Leon and Hime like frightened mice in a cage. The stern look on Hime's face softened.
"No, it is not. You are a hero amongst us, Lord. Many of us would not exist if it weren't for you," Hime responded, bowing her head to him. "It is easy for people to mistake my gaze as an angry one rather than a curious one. I merely wish to ensure you are treated with proper respect."
Leon's arms crossed. "They look tired and confused. Is there a good reason they’re here?"
Hime's gaze shifted, a mix of guilt and determination shining in her eyes. "I assure you it is for their well being. I will explain everything, but not here. Please, follow me."
A sinking pit of unease grew deeper within Leon's gut every second. Despite Hime's polite demeanor, his heart beat with the intensity of a drum. They ventured through a narrow hall adorned with sliding doors, the train rumbling beneath their feet.
"This way, please," Hime said, opening the door to a compartment.
He entered quickly, feeling a small pit of unease in his gut.
A cool breeze seeped through the open windows. Hime's eyes lowered, and she took a pained sigh. "I understand we didn't exactly meet with the kind of flare I'd hoped for… Please forgive me for my insolence, Lord Diablos," she said, offering him a deep bow.
Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to spill forth. Leon's discomfort grew, and he scratched the back of his head. You are so easily manipulated. Do you even have a shred of backbone? Diablos said.
Quiet you. "Look… do I call you Hime or Princess or…." His voice drifted, hoping she'd finish his sentence.
"Anything is fine, though I'd prefer you to call me by my name. We have no need to act like strangers," Hime replied, her voice holding a touch of vulnerability. "After all, you're my..." Her face flushed crimson, the unfinished words hanging in the air before she hurriedly turned away. "No matter. Please, come inside."
The room they entered resembled a luxurious hotel suite with a queen-sized bed, a desk, a large TV, a fridge, and even its own bathroom. The compartment door closed behind Leon with a soft click, causing him to startle. Hime gracefully sat on the bed, her presence both alluring and intimidating. "Do make yourself comfortable," Hime said, patting the space beside her.
It was difficult for Leon to look her in the eye between her crimson stare and her beauty. I should probably try to be as polite as possible… At least until I know what I'm dealing with, Leon thought, settling beside her. The blanket beneath him felt surprisingly soft, its touch almost lulling him into a hypnotic state. "Are you alright, Lord?" Hime asked, leaning closer.
Leon raised a hand, shaking away his weariness. "I'm just a little more worn out than I thought," he admitted, his eyes shifting nervously. His body tensed as she gently grasped his outstretched arm. "W-what are you-?"
"Forgive my forwardness, but I can't help but be drawn to you, Lord Diablos," Hime confessed, her voice filled with longing and desire.
"You don't have to keep calling me Lord or Diablos, Hime. Just call me by my name, Leon," he insisted.
She shook her head, a mix of admiration and reverence in her gaze. "You are too kind, but you should not talk down about yourself in such ways. There is so much more to you than you could possibly understand," Hime murmured, her eyes dropping to her lap momentarily before meeting his gaze again. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment."
Then the compartment door slid open, revealing a tall knight clad in black armor standing at the entrance. Chills ran rampant down the back of Leon’s neck the moment he looked at him. Even from a glance he could tell. This is no ordinary knight.
"My dear princess, am I interrupting?" a drawling voice came from him as he placed a hand on his hip. Red feathers adorned his helmet and chest piece while his cold blue eyes pierced through Leon, sending shivers down his spine.
Who the hell is that? Leon thought, his eyes shifting between Hime and him.
Hime straightened up, her grip on Leon's hand tightening, refusing to let go. Her eyes narrowed furiously. "Toras, I have told you many times to knock before entering my room, have I not?"
Toras shifted his gaze from the princess to Leon, tilting his head and sighing. "Not even a moment, and you're already drooling over your childhood hero, eh? Quite unbecoming of you, my lady."
A rough tension weighed down the room, Hime's glare filled with enough venom to tear the man apart. Her voice dripped with a steely edge. "That's quite enough! What did you come for?"
With an almost mocking salute, Toras replied, "Well, if you'd be so kind, our beloved conductor has requested to speak with you. Something along the lines of your father wishing to discuss your arrival and all that."
Hime pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing. "Of course… We will speak later about your lack of respect later, Toras. You are dismissed until further notice." With a dismissive wave of her hand, the compartment door slammed in the knight's face, the glass cracking from the intensity. It was only then that Leon noticed that she was trembling.
"Hime, are you-"
Interrupting him, she rose to her feet, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "I apologize for that unsightly display. Please, wait here for my return, Lord D- Leon." Before he could utter a word, she stormed out of the room.
Well… that was awkward. Whoever that knight was, he was no joke. Leon covered his mouth, taking a moment to close his eyes. Her hands were trembling the second he opened the door. Is that the knight Katie attacked from the memory? Toras?
A powerful individual. I sensed great malice from him, Diablos said. No matter. All will be no match for us if you maintain your training. The moment you step off this train, that should be your primary focus.
You're right. Shit could fly off the handle any moment at this rate. Leon grimaced as he went to the bathroom. He turned on the sink, letting the cool water lather against his hands. He looked down at his reflection only to see Diablos staring back at him once more. Chills ran down his spine, but he didn't flinch. He knew that no matter what happened, at least he wasn't alone.
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Hime was gone for at least half an hour. With little else to do, he watched forests, fields, and tunnels pass them by. Geez, how fast are we going? You'd think we'd be halfway to China at this rate. The train whisked through at a breathtaking speed. Leon marveled at the shapes of the clouds, finding himself lost in their whimsical formations. But just as he was captivated by the beauty of nature, a large black tail swung in front of him, causing him to snap out of his daydream. He leaned out to look up and was surprised to see King, the raptor, standing on the passenger coach above him. The creature glanced at Leon and winked mischievously before bolting away in a blur.
How did he escape? The compartment door slid shut behind him, and Leon jumped.
"Apologies for the wait," Hime asked, walking forward. Her heels knocked against the wood underneath the carpet with every step. Leon turned to her, leaning against the window.
"No worries. I was merely enjoying the scenery." Leon said, giving a small smile.
She looked at him, tilting her head curiously. "What's got you in such a good mood?"
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He pondered a moment on how to respond. "Not every day I get to spend time with a princess, much less one as stunning as you,," Leon said, leaning against the window. "I suppose I feel a little… flustered?"
A mischievous smirk formed on Hime's face. "Flattery will get you everywhere," she replied, her voice laced with amusement. “So you wished to learn why we took the people of Galadius Town?”
Leon nodded. “That’d be nice, yes. And what exactly is Katie’s crime? You seemed to have history beyond your feud.”
“Well, under my father’s orders, we’ve detected the presence of Tartarus on our borders. Galadius Town is under our jurisdiction, and so he thought it would be safer to keep the people closer to home until we can ensure the defenses on our outer borders are bolstered a hundred fold. Until then, they will be summoned into the heart of our kingdom to explain the situation. They can come and go at their own peril beyond that. Satisfied?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“That’d explain the lack of blood and destruction… Well at least it isn’t as malicious as we thought. I guess they just always look intimidated when you walk in the room?”
“The gift and curse of being royalty I must say. My reputation in battle gives many different impressions of me… As well as my eyes. As for the sky pigeon, Katie… I’m sure you heard we had been friends. There was even a point where I would have called her my adopted sister. Her real family never gave her the love and care that mine did. My little sister Luna in particular adores her to no end,” Hime said, her eyes lowering to the tea. She sipped to hide a sniffle. “We were investigating Tartarus activity in a harbor not far from Galadius Town when I was attacked. At first I thought it had been a soldier, some beast that had gotten the best of me. But when I opened my eyes, my men… my personally picked soldiers that I grew up with since I was a girl were ripped to pieces!”
Wind in the room started growing rampant. Leon jumped to his feet when a portrait nearly smacked into him, standing wearily as he looked at Hime.
Hime’s hands trembled and her eyes watered. Her powers were erratic. She seemed hardly aware of it as her breathing grew heavy. Pained. “And who was standing over me, getting ready to slaughter my first knight is your beloved sky trash! When I tried to question her about it, she attacked me! She attempted to use Jalaiya as an excuse for her actions, and chose to shoot and run instead of owning up to her actions!” The cup of tea shattered in her hands, her teeth clenched.
Taking a deep breath, the intense winds subsided. Leon found a napkin and offered it before her tears could fall. She took his arm and placed it along with his hand against her cheek, startling him. Smiling weakly, she met his gaze. “Apologies. I don’t take this betrayal lightly… I deeply wish there was another way I could settle this, but I will get my justice.” The way she met his gaze made him almost shift away, almost as if she were challenging him to speak against that statement.
Probably not a good time to egg her on. I don’t think she’s evil… but there has to be something wrong about this. There’s no way Katie would attack her unprovoked. She showed me the memory of this story back at the inn… It doesn’t make sense. With a snap of her fingers, Leon jumped. The shattered teacup was surrounded by a green mist as it began to reassemble itself.
“Apologies for getting so worked up, Leon. But enough about such frivolous affairs. I would now like a chance to get to know you."
"Ask away. I'm an open book.”
"Well, for starters, how'd you end up getting stuck with that dreadful sky pigeon?" she inquired, moving away to pour them cups of tea.
"Sky, what? Oh, you mean Katie." Fighting the urge to chuckle, Leon continued as he sat back on the bed. "Guess it doesn't take a monkey's uncle to figure you two hate each other. You're a demon princess, right?" He grimaced as she turned at the word 'demon.' Maybe I could've found a nicer way of phrasing it.
To his surprise, she giggled. "A monkey's uncle. I don't believe I've ever heard that expression, but I'll certainly make use of it. But yes, demons run in the blood of my entire family and most of my kingdom."
"So… is sharing a connection between minds normal for demons and angels?" he asked, flinching as she froze once again, her smile dropping.
Hime pondered a moment but then proceeded to fill their cups with tea. "A connection of minds is rare indeed. Not something spoken of within this lifetime, at least until you came along," she said, passing him his cup. Steam gently rose from her own cup as she took a sip. "Do continue."
"Well, Katie and I met through our dreams… or maybe saying a connection within our minds. It’s a little hard to explain," Leon explained, causing Hime to nearly drop her tea.
She raised an eyebrow. "Through your dreams? Surely you're joking."
He chuckled nervously. "No, I'm being serious."
Reluctantly, Leon began to explain the dark world he would awake in every night of his life. She watched him intently, hardly blinking. She hung onto every word, hardly even remembering to sip her tea. The curiosity and envy in her eyes made him feel flushed. It was so genuine. No feeling of ill intent or hidden motives in her listening. By the time he finished, he even felt stunned at how comfortable he felt talking about it with her.
By the end of it, her eyes were practically shining. "To share a mind with the host of Diablos himself…." Hime's voice trailed off, her eyes lowered as she bit deeply into her finger. Leon watched in concern as it began to bleed, witnessing her silent struggle.
"Are you-" he stood up, but she waved him off.
"No need to worry. Merely envying the brainless halfwit is all. Though angels are a rarity in their own right these days. Hardly any exist after you… Diablos slaughtered most of them, though you must know this, of course."
Leon shook his head. "Diablos's soul is in my body… but I don't know much about him if I'm being honest."
She paused, rubbing her chin. "I can imagine that is frustrating. Between you and the sky trash, this is the first time in history I’ve ever heard of two souls shared within a body. Do you have any experience in combat at least?"
"Of course!" Leon responded quickly. He clenched his teeth, bracing himself for her judgment. But to his surprise, Hime giggled again, lightening the tense atmosphere.
"No need to be so tense, Leon. You'll find no better place for information on Diablos and the world. My kingdom respects strength above all else, and we’re more than happy to help you learn to harness your power. You host our champion, the hero I've marveled in my entire life," the princess said, standing and meeting his gaze. "You have nothing to fear from me. The chance to bring you to your prime and challenge you in combat would… would…." Her voice faltered, and she wiped away a tear, turning away from him.
Leon rose to his feet, his hand reaching to touch her shoulder. He nearly had a heart attack as she turned and embraced him tightly. Diablos laughed coldly in Leon's mind, sending chills down his spine. A hero? I don't think any title could sicken me any worse.
I didn't think you even had that kind of a history… Leon’s arms hung awkwardly, grimacing.
"Are you alright?" He asked, his cheeks flushed as she looked up at him.
Her blush deepened, but she didn't avert her gaze. They were practically nose to nose when she pulled him into a kiss. His eyes widened in shock, feeling the warmth and softness of her lips against his own. This is wrong… I shouldn't be… But he didn't push her away. His heart wrenched and turned, torn between conflicting emotions. I need to stop.
Leon pried her away, holding his mouth in shock. I can't believe I just- Her hand touched his cheek. "A-are you alright? I didn't mean to."
"It's not your fault. I just… it's not right yet," Leon muttered, wiping his teary eyes. He turned away from her, gripping the windowsill. He cursed himself for feeling this pain, torn between his loyalty to Cynthia and his connection to Katie. It felt like everything he did was betraying them. But one was missing, and he had no memory of the other. Damn it all. What is right and what is wrong?
Hime stood there, glancing between him and her feet. She seemed afraid of offending him any further. "W-would it be okay if I spoke with my friends?:" he asked, shaking his head.
"That's… yes, of course," Hime said, clasping her hands tightly. She bit her lip, her voice quivering. "Do you think ill of me?"
Leon turned to face her. "No! No, that's not it. I'm just- I need to set things straight before I make any commitments. I've had more than one person in my life that I've been with, and that makes things… complicated."
At those words, bitterness dripped from the princess's voice. "And this other person is the girl in my custody, isn't it?" Her gaze bore into him, filled with pain and resentment. Her lip trembled as a harsh wind swept through the room, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.
"Yes," Leon admitted, the look in her eyes piercing his heart like daggers.
As Hime sat, she let out another irritable sigh. A tear streamed down her face, mixing with her anger and bitterness. Her voice trembled with sorrow and desperation as she spoke, "Then go to her. It may be the last time you see her alive ever again."
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Before he could say another word, an invisible force had thrown Leon out of the room, the door slamming in his face. It was clear Hime wanted nothing more to do with him, at least for the moment. The sound of the train's chugging filled the air, its wheels smacking against the joints underneath their feet. The rhythmic clatter of the bogies running over the wells was accompanied by the piercing blasts of whistles from the head of the train, and the bells chimed against the windows, creating a symphony of chaotic sounds.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” Leon muttered through gritted teeth. Augh, of all the rotten luck.…
What did you expect? Diablos said. Congratulations on breaking the heart of one of the strongest demon families in history. Perhaps the word hero will be scrubbed from her tongue after all.
Oh, don’t you get started. Last thing I need is to be praised by the king of demons. His eyes scanned the compartment’s golden brown walls. He half expected to see King's mischievous shadow from above, but the raptor remained elusive. As he walked through the train, he couldn't help but notice the glances and quick averted gazes of other passengers and nobles within their compartments. As if I didn’t have enough relationship drama.
You clearly showed great resistance to her advances. No mortal could have greater resolve, Diablos said, his voice laced with mockery.
Leon felt a wave of heat flush to his face, but then closed his eyes. He let out a deep breath and chuckled. It was almost refreshing. When did you learn to be so good at sarcasm?
Oh, please. Don’t speak of riddles to me, boy. It would not surprise me to discover it was I who created such things, Diablos retorted. Leon laughed in spite of himself.
After what felt like an eternity, Leon finally reached the back of the train. Who the fuck built this thing? Clearly whoever did is a cardio freak… Two guards stood before a chained door, dressed in crimson armor with white armbands. Their helmets concealed their eyes, leaving nothing but darkness within. One guard carried a sword on his belt, while the other held a rifle adorned with shifting symbols that glowed in various colors. This must be it, he thought, his gaze shifting to the men.
One of the guards unsheathed his blade and held it to his chest in salute. "Lord Diablos! You honor us with your presence! Forgive me for asking my lord, but do you have permission to be here without the princess?”
“Yes. Do I need proof?” Leon asked.
“Preferably. Once you’ve done so the angel is just through this door, sir,” the other guard said, a deeper voice coming from him. “We shall call the princess-”
“No need for proof, Leynard. Let him through,” a voice behind Leon spoke, making him jump.
“My lady!” They both stood at attention and stepped away from the door.
“...I’m surprised you came,” Leon muttered, his gaze fixed on her.
She sighed, shaking her head. “My head is in… a strange place these days. It is unusual for me to be so forward. Please forgive me, Leon. I do not wish to start off on a bad note with you. There is much I still wish to discuss and share with you. I will await here for you to finish, Leon.”
He looked at her cautiously, and then relaxed. “Alright.”
Leon stepped into the room, the guards standing firm and motionless as he passed by them. The atmosphere in the room was starkly different from the rest of the train. Hard, dark gray metal floors stretched beneath his feet, and there were no windows or lights, except for a dim candle flickering on the wall. The air was frigid, wrapping around him like an icy embrace, and a sense of isolation filled the space. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as a chill ran down his spine, but he rubbed his hands together and pressed forward.
"Leon?" her voice rang from within, cutting through the cold silence.
His eyes gradually adjusted to the dim lighting. Katie shuffled to her feet, the chains on her arms and legs rattling with each movement. "What are you doing here?" she asked, a mixture of surprise and confusion in her eyes.
"I wanted to see you. Are you feeling okay?" Leon asked, brushing off the imaginary dust off his shoulders. He couldn’t help but notice the state of her clothes were torn in several places. The scars from her previous wounds had disappeared.
Her eyes winced at his words and she looked down. “I’m feeling better. My magic is suppressed here, so healing took a little longer than usual.” When his eyes widened, Katie giggled. Her expression softened at the sight of him. “Seeing you makes it hurt a little less though.”
Leon gave a soft smile, leaning against the bars. “At least you’re in good spirits.”
“For the most part. How has the princess been treating you? Has she started drooling all over your boots yet?” Katie asked, meeting his gaze.
“I guess you could say that. She’s a lot nicer when she isn’t trying to cut my head off… I asked about why you were in here.”
She sighed. “I showed you the memory of what took place after all… It still isn’t something that I ever wished to come to pass.”
Leon shook his head. “Isn’t there any way we can prove you had nothing to do with it? Why didn’t you ever try to explain-”
The look in her eyes made him falter. “I’ve already tried that. They never responded to my letters or my transmissions. All evidence points to my guilt. She won’t even try to listen to me.”
He glanced back, seeing Hime’s silhouette in the door’s window. The kiss they shared briefly flashed in his mind but he quickly shut that out. She’s standing right there. Maybe if I forced them to talk we could help Hime realize she’s innocent- No sooner had he thought it, he heard a loud thunk on the floor. Turning, he realized Katie had fallen to her knees. The pain in her eyes froze him.
"You… kissed her?”
His eyes widened. She must’ve looked into his thoughts the moment he stopped talking. “I wasn’t trying to.”
“But you didn’t push her away… not at first. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me. Your memories of us only go so far," Katie muttered, her voice tinged with resignation. "Perhaps you'd even be better off with someone like her."
“No. Hell no. Can we just focus on the problem here.…”
Katie let out a bitter laugh, her expression hardening. "How do I know this isn't just another cruel ploy of hers? Kiss the person I love and send him here to torture me about it? Sounds like something that good-for-nothing princess would do..."
Hearing her say she loved him out loud made him flinch. His hesitation. The lack of being able to respond to those feelings. It felt like his skin was melting, and he grit his teeth. The silence that followed hung heavily in the air, the weight of their unspoken emotions suffocating them both. For the first time since they had met, they couldn't bring themselves to look directly into each other's eyes. The room seemed to close in on them, becoming a prison for their unspoken pain.
“Perhaps letting her kill me will finally be the only good thing she provides.” Katie whispered, her voice laced with despair.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You don’t mean that,” Leon pleaded, his eyes widening in alarm. Before he could say anything else, she slammed her head against the cold bars.
“You spent a year searching for Iris and the person you love. Death mentioned a second…It’s Cynthia? Isn’t it?”
Leon's heart felt as though it had been struck by a thousand arrows, each word from Katie's lips piercing deeper than the last. He stood frozen, unable to move or form coherent thoughts. Her laughter echoed through the desolate room, devoid of any semblance of mirth, and it reverberated in his ears like a haunting dirge. It was the sound of shattered dreams and irreparable loss, the sound of a soul crumbling beneath the weight of unimaginable pain.
“My mother tried to hide that my oldest sister…” Katie's voice trembled, her words choked with grief. “...was sent to kill the person I care about the most. I believe you’ve had the pleasure of meeting, only you have no memory of that either, do you?”
Lying about this would’ve felt like the ultimate insult, no matter how much it hurt. “My memories of Cynthia were never erased… I remember everything about that.”
He shook his head, watching her throw her hands up in frustration. Katie was the one behind bars, but they may as well have swapped places. She crossed her arms, blinking back tears. “Big surprise. My mother wanted us to believe she had died on some sort of secret mission, but I knew that it had to be a lie. It had to be. Iris wouldn’t look me in the eye when I asked about it either. …Why did you hide it from me? Did you ever plan to say anything? Were you the one who killed her?”
Leon’s voice trembled with an anguished denial.. “No! I would never. I wasn’t sure if you were related… by the time I put it together, I was waiting for the right time to bring it up. I don’t know what happened to her. She disappeared the same day Iris did. All she left was a note saying… She said to forget she existed and don’t look for her. No explanation on where she went or why.”
Katie turned her gaze to the bars, grasping her arms. “And you didn’t trust me with the truth. After everything we’ve…we’ve…” Her voice broke out into an anguished cry, and she crumpled to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she clutched her own trembling visage.
He grasped the bars, heat rising to his face. “Katie, I… this isn’t what I…” There was nothing he could say. The pain tore through him like teeth and claws ripping him apart, and all he could do was tremble.
“Leave me be! I’d rather die than see you again!” Katie’s voice, laced with anguish, pierced through the air like a final decree.
Leon's trembling hand fell back to his side, and he stepped back, his heart breaking anew with each retreating step. He wanted to reach out, to beg for forgiveness, but he knew that the wounds ran too deep. His breath hitched, and a single tear rolled down his cheek as he turned away, his own silent agony mirroring hers. With that pain, he made a silent vow. I will make this right.