image [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPMrHjyOKzwym-um16nOoVTvQgrHjt7hjxJHxmgSVlhJF2pqj2yznjqqlQd_tW46qIAY9y_7L6nfIRQ6yUsRrMzC4GpkJTDjZL6fX2pBJ8bAdBuwMxuUzfw9k55G_lPUwCodDBjB3_TdPQjYzAOdNsDtw=w654-h654-s-no-gm?authuser=1]
(Concept of the cruise at night)
The next day...
Leon brushed his teeth, his eyes still blinking from their grogginess. He was desperately trying not to think of what transpired the day before. "Leon? Are you okay?" Katie's voice broke him from his trance.
He almost dropped his toothbrush when she walked up behind him. She wore a Bugs Bunny tank top and sweats, borrowed from Raina's endless pajama pack. Gargling and rinsing before he spat into the sink, he asked,"Haven't you ever heard of knocking?"
Katie frowned. "Sorry. You just seemed so quiet since yesterday. I don't mean to pry, but did things go well with your sister?"
Memories flooded his mind. The words they'd spoken. How cold things had ended. He immediately shook it off. Leon started splashing his face with water before Katie could see him scowl. "....We spoke. I don't think she's used to other people having my attention. Don't let it get to you. I've known Richard, Damien, and Raina for almost a year and she still isn't used to them."
She looked at him quizzically. "If you say so... I'm going to go get dressed."
"Yeah, I'll be right out too. Just gonna' be a moment to wake up," he said, turning back to the mirror. His mind wandered, but then he stopped it abruptly. The risk of imagining something so risque with Iris of all people. He would've never forgiven himself if he'd lost his composure yesterday. ...How long has she felt like that? What would've happened if I'd lost my bet? ...Jesus.
What are you talking about? Katie asked telepathically, making him bump his head into the ceiling.
With a loud groan, he replied, Nothing.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------
A hundred thousand miles away from the cruise ship...
Invisible to the naked eye, a hovercraft levitated in the sky. Pacing impatiently back and forth by the holographic map, Lilith finally stopped. "Blast it! How the hell did she find out about the chips? Could Isabella have told her about them?"
Cynthia sat in the co-pilot's seat by the cockpit, her legs kicked up. She hid her smirk. Good shit, Katie... The only way she'd know is if Isabella spilled the beans. We've officially got a sister mutiny on our hands, and I'm smack dab with queen bitch herself. It'll take us days or longer to find them at this rate. Can't very well just fly mindlessly through the sky. We're already at risk being this close to human countries.
It was taking every ounce of will not to look back and take glee in her mother's displeasure. She knew those hawk eyes would fly into a frenzy at the slightest glance at a smile. That was before the map shifted into static. "What?" Lilith hissed, freezing.
The hologram changed shape, and a man appeared. He had long black hair, green eyes, and wore a silver and gold suit. His eyes shifted toward Lilith who cursed under her breath. "It appears you've run into some issues, Lilith... How may I be of assistance?" he asked, his lips curling into a kind smile.
Cynthia turned around to look, and for the first time, her mother looked flabbergasted. "Save the pleasantries, Alexander. We both know why you've called. The agreement is abolished..." Lilith said bitterly, crossing her arms.
The man named Alexander chuckled. He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on his desk. "Come now, must you sound so disgusted? You've kept me from my children for fifteen years... I'd say my patience in your failure to keep them under control is well deserved," he said.
His children. Who the fuck is he talking abo- ...No way, Cynthia thought, jumping out of her chair.
Alexander's gaze shifted to her, and his expression immediately softened. "Cynthia... you've grown strong over the years. I apologize for not being a part of your lives for so long."
It was almost too much to bear. Her body felt hot with fury, cold with shock. Looking in the eyes of her father, and all she felt was rage. Betrayal that he even existed with everything they'd endured. "Do you have any idea what we've- Who the fuck- What gives you the right to show up now, huh?" Cynthia spat, curling her hands into fists.
"This isn't how I desired we would meet. I will never be able to apologize enough for what I've known you were put through... For the pain," Alexander muttered, casting his own furious gaze at Lilith. "But it was your mother's agreement that in helping her bear children and giving her a home to train you, I was to remain uninvolved in your lives. The only exception would be if the host of Jaliaya ever broke free... Then, I could finally take the reigns and give you your true purpose."
Cynthia looked at Lilith, her eyes watering. She shook her head. "And of course you just went along and agreed with it. Cool story pal. Too little, too late I'm afraid."
Lilith gave a cold laugh. "As you can see, they want little to do with you."
"Who's fault do you think that is?" Alexander snapped, narrowing his eyes. But then his hands relaxed. "You know that's fine, if that's how you wish to be. Here I was going to help you find where our dear Katie disappeared to... Not that you care all that much for their well being."
Lilith and Cynthia's eyes both widened. "You know where she is?" they asked in unison.
A satisfied smile formed on his lips. The tone of his voice didn't match them. "This will be your last chance to do what you wished. If you fail, you and those girls will join the cause. You've already broken your oath twice. I won't accept anymore excuses. You've had your way with them for long enough. I will give my children the life they deserve with or without you, Lilith. If you must destroy Diablos, then succeed now while he is weak. Do you understand?"
He can't be serious? There's no way she'll- Cynthia thought, her eyes darting between Alexander and Lilith.
Her lips quivering, Lilith muttered, "Yes."
Alexander turned his head and leaned. "I'm sorry, can you say that in my good ear?"
"YES, DAMN YOU! We will destroy Diablos and help you in your ridiculous quest! Is that what you wanted to hear, you no good hero," Lilith snapped, turning her back on him. Her face was flustered at having lost control.
He laughed warmly, grasping his armrests. "Your little temper tantrums have always been amusing. Reminds me of when-"
The intermission almost went out completely when she slammed the console. "Enough games, Alexander! Where are they?"
With a wave of his hand, his face was replaced with the map of the ocean from before. A single point was highlighted, zooming in until it showed Katie sitting on a deckchair. She was surrounded by two boys and a girl casually chatting with her. Lilith's eyes narrowed, biting her thumbnail. Without another word, she pushed past Cynthia into the pilot's seat. "Sit down and prepare yourself. We're going," she commanded.
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—------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later that evening...
Leon, Katie, and everyone else was enjoying a nice dinner. Feeling withered from the sun, Iris went back to the room alone for a bath. She'd been soaking for about an hour, stirring in her thoughts. The thought of him being with Katie without her watching them made her growl silently.
What the devil is taking Leon so long? Iris wondered in her bathtub.
She swished the bubbles out of her way, her arms dangling against the outside. It was a pleasant bath. The water was hot and comforting. That girl better not have done anything to him or I swear I...
Edges of the tub began to bend under her grip. Violet mist slipped away from her fingertips as she sighed. Why the hell did I agree to become his sister in the first place?
She rose from the tub and scowled, water dripping off of her every curve. Gaia merely said she wanted him to have a normal life until he was ready... I'm never going to live down that I agreed to that farce.
Iris walked toward the mirror. Her body was mature, much more than the average human would be if they were supposed to be fifteen. She had the face of a young woman, one who would be at the peak of her beauty. And beautiful she was. Her dark curls shone in the light, smooth as silk.
Iris's hands trembled with the desire to break the mirror. Sven and Kara are wonderful parents... but being raised by humans who only comprehend half of your own knowledge is nothing short of infuriating. We could've been living in our own house. Living by our own rules... What does he see in this Katie anyway? Iris's violet eyes shined as she looked at herself.
It only makes sense... He'd never shown signs of enjoying life, or anything for that matter until about five years ago. That was when he made his first friends. The first days I'd seen him smile and mean it. Leon's never kept secrets from me before, Iris rubbed her chin. How did they meet? I don't feel any deceit from her yet either. Her feelings for him seem genuine.
Trouble in paradise, my dear? A chilling voice whispered in her ear.
She shuddered as a shadow rose behind her. Iris closed her eyes and grit her teeth. Go back to sleep. The world doesn't need you anymore...
The light bulb flickered as her vision blurred. How long do you think you can hold me back, girl? It's only a matter of time... You sealed your fate when you chose to become my host. The voice was demonic, the sound more unnerving than nails on a chalkboard.
We'll be ready for you, don't worry about that. I'm just not ready to end my centuries old vacation just yet, Iris responded, reaching for a towel.
She dropped it when she saw her right hand. The skin was gone, revealing only bones. She yelped, clenching her fists. Dust drifted toward the bony hand, materializing under layers of flesh and skin.
How long do you think you can keep my dear sweet Leon away from me? Seems he's forgotten about his dear old creator. But don't worry, he'll only curse you for keeping him in the dark. You'll only have yourself to blame for the torment he will reap.
He isn't weak, Iris responded, turning towards the door.
No? An icy cold hand grabbed her shoulder. It twisted her around forcing her to look at a cloaked figure. It was tall and haunting, the inside of the hood an eternal darkness with no face in sight. You have him live as a human when he possesses power greater than any living creature on this planet... You think you have thwarted me, yet you've given me more fuel than I've ever had in centuries. My only threat has no idea of my existence or of his own power. His protector is more concerned with his love life and loitering his sheets than saving the world she was created to protect.
Iris pushed at the figure, but her hands phased through it. Her entire body shook under its cold grip. Shut up! That's not... Iris's voice stammered as she tried to open the door. The knob wouldn't turn.
But Gaia's last wish will be my greatest gift hahaha... I wonder what Leon's face will be when it's his own... 'sister'... a worthless title as you bear no blood resemblance. Though if you had trained him in his power from the very beginning, he may have stood a ghost of a chance. It's more entertaining watching men die when they try...
Light shined in Iris's wrists as it shaped a blade. Her eyes watered as she glared at him. Why does a monster like you exist? What were they thinking when they made you...
The figure paused at that statement. His grip on her released as he repeated the words, Created me? Hahahahahahaha, preposterous. I merely existed as did Gaia. We were not created. Why we still exist however is the fault of you, and every other child of mine on this planet.
Because of me? Iris swung her blade of light at him. The figure faded into dust as her blade phased through. It hummed on her wrist as its shine radiated.
More of his laughter filled her ears. Every second of it gave her goosebumps. If you need me to explain it to you, you're not nearly as smart as I thought you were...
With that, the figure grew silent once more. Iris bit her lip as the blade grew dark and lost its shape. Death. Iris thought of his name bitterly as she clenched her fists. She slammed the door open as it gave in and stormed into the bedroom.
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image [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPE7frLm4y8g_SDmojSuEhyL3NCQ9j194oKwswAVPbMQ_5FumEwV12pjK9Hbtamdz8WI7_A-SWvBIEE5spSJHvJy-7dpmcRNezufGlohtzqPYOghQHwhyFgxdmYmxps2xeFDzsLy87RN_kknuKo8cdRnw=w654-h654-s-no-gm?authuser=1](Concept of Katie that night)
"It's a beautiful night..." Katie said, her hair flowing with the wind.
She had led them to the back end of the ship. A white turtleneck sweater and blue jeans were her new set of clothes, the first she'd ever been able to pick out herself. Wearing a dress everywhere had been growing uncomfortable, so she and Leon had visited the shop by the front of the ship. She pulled the sweater up to cover her mouth, loving its softness and warmth.
Their friends were dancing and socializing in the dining room. Trails from the ship followed in waves as the moonlight reflected off the ocean. Few clouds plagued the sky as countless stars surrounded them. Leon watched her as she admired the sky. Her dress shimmered under the moonlight.
It was a cold night. The ship roared almost as deafeningly loud as the howling winds. Because of this, most people were inside. They took advantage of that to have some time alone. To hear themselves over the noise they had to shout a little, but they didn't mind.
Leaning on the railing beside her, he sighed. "You think if we ever have kids, they'll believe us when we tell them how we met?" he asked, turning his eyes to the sea.
Katie's cheeks blushed furiously. Children, me? The thought had never occurred to her. Thinking of her own childhood made her heart drop at the idea. It scared her.
She curled his fingers with her own and rested against his shoulder. "I'd be a terrible mother."
"Why do you say that? There's no way that's true," Leon said, raising an eyebrow.
Katie grimaced, grasping the railing. "What if my mother gets her wish? What if I truly become a monster?"
His grip on her hand tightened. "You know damn well that will never happen. You've always been stronger than that. It would've happened a long time ago if you were ever going to turn out that way."
She smiled warmly, turning to face him. "Leon... What should I do?"
Leon's mind raced. The wind whistled as the ship trailed along the waters. His eyes fell on a shooting star, and then met her gaze. "Run away with me."
Her cheeks burned. "W-what? Are you serious?"
"Yes. We'll never have to be apart ever again. You can smile everyday," Leon said, taking her other hand. "The only tears you'll ever need to shed will be happy ones. We can finally live a life that feels like it has meaning. Not some bullshit someone else is trying to feed us."
Katie smiled warmly, and softly kissed his lips. Her eyes watered, slowly letting go of his hands. "Is that truly possible... Do you know who I-" Her voice cut off as her eyes narrowed.
She pushed Leon away. He opened his mouth to speak when something grazed his cheek. A bullet? he thought as her gaze shifted toward the people approaching.
"Get out of here, Leon..." Katie said, standing in front of him.
"What?" Leon looked around them as footsteps approached. He squinted over Katie's shoulder. Two silhouettes were hard to make out in the dark. He had a hunch who they were. The only way out was jumping overboard.
"Why are we running? I'm not afraid of your family," Leon said, pulling Katie aside. She wouldn't budge. The hell... it's like she became a brick wall all of a sudden, he thought, pulling harder. Her eyes widened as she felt herself brought back.
"How did you-" she stammered when a second shot fired. The bullet whizzed past his ear. He didn't hear it, but he saw the flash. Small enough to be a pistol.
Jesus. His eyes took another quick look around. Fighting them without any cover or a gun is pretty stupid.... Why the hell is this happening now?
Katie grabbed his collar. "Katie?" He only needed a moment to look at her clearly. Her face was white, sweat running down in droves. Leon reached for her wrists. She grunted as she shoved him away as hard as she could. His legs flew off the wooden floor faster than he could react. "H-hey!" He shouted as the world flipped in his eyes.
He flew over the railing and crashed into the icy water below. Flailing and spluttering to get back up to the top, Leon reached the surface. Waves smacked him left and right.
"Kat- KATIE!" Leon yelled, struggling to swim against the violent current. The ship sailed away from him further and further. I'm being... left behind!
He panted and shuddered under the freezing cold. Every attempt to swim was agonizing. Like needles stabbing into every inch of him, his body growing numb. A shadow grew as something crashed hard against his nose.
Blood squirted as the water muffled his cry. He drifted further into the ocean. Leon twisted and shifted his body as best as he could. Moving was becoming impossible with the pressure of the cold. I can't stop trying to move! I'm... I'm going to d... die here... Even thinking coherent thoughts was growing more and more difficult. It wasn't long before he drifted into a cold sleep.