So this chapter is going to play catch up but in Crysea’s point of view. You'll get an inside view of what she thought of everything, then the actual chapter will start. This catch up technically isn't part of the chapter but I decided to put it in anyway. Hope it's to your liking.

Chapter 17

-Crysea-

I’ll tell you about my arrival up to now. When we first arrived things were rather hectic. Everyone was scrambling around searching for food and natives. I’m young but the 10 years here forced me to mature quicker than anyone had anticipated. During that whole process everyone was asking if I was ok, or if I needed anything, and so on. It was annoying but I understood their concern. We were finally on a planet with sentient inhabitants and I was still fitting into my role as queen, naturally they’d be worried.

I was able to quickly adjust to my surroundings and was able to issue so rather decent and fitting commands. We weren’t discovered the whole time, that is, until that day. We had found suitable hosts and, coincidentally, they all went to the same location. The older hosts went to a detachment of the structures where the young commute. It was rather convenient if I say so myself.

On that day a boy had discovered one of our people, naturally we had to get rid of him or risk our people’s survival. The others kept me updated on his constant location and their initial surprise, the human who had discovered them was extremely agile and it was near impossible to catch him. That is until he came to the room I resided in.

Now I came to that room because I had heard it was where the school’s, I learned the structures name through some talk amongst the non-hosts, leader was residing. I had figured to go talk with him in regards to granting us safe haven. That turned out poorly. The leader, dean I later learned, freaked and was consumed by fear upon my approach. I had to use camouflage to sneak into his office. Continuing, I could hear the fear and instability in his heart; this fear would lead him astray from us and put us in danger, so I decided to consume him. It was a rather wise decision on my part, now that everything has happened.

As I was in the process of consuming the dean, the one who discovered us busted into the room and immediately closed the doors with a lock. He fell down, still facing the doors, trying to catch his breath, it was odd, the fear inside him was almost completely silent, and the loudest sound I heard was excitement. I decided to confront him, so I finished the dean off, which caught his attention, and stood before him.

I heard a sound form his heart I had never heard before, it was a pure and sweet sound, a warm, calming, gentle sound. Through his actions and consistent rants, I later figured it was him falling in love with me. It was strange, how could he possibly produce such a sound without ever meeting me before? Why was it directed to me as well? How could he tell I was even female, given I had assumed my actual form. Questions yet still to be answered, but it became more of a personal query then an actual issue.

We had a conversation, and, to my great surprise, he was willing to part with some rather sensitive information in exchange for some mediocre history of us. I couldn’t figure him out, and I am still trying to, though with a different goal in mind than I did then. In the end, we were allowed into his home and treated as respected and honored guests. A welcomed surprise, but some of us took it as a trick to lower our guard.

He put complete trust in us given that we could, at any time, take all that he is worth and leave him to rot in an underground lodging. He even parted with his almost depleted supply of food. I could see, even without my ability to hear the sounds of the heart, that he was a person of benevolent nature. His heart truly, though, gave off a beautiful melody, if only I could rest my head atop his chest to hear it in its entirety.

Regardless of the time passed no one seemed to even bother with trying to trust him; except for the one he called Lower G, odd name. They even lied when they said that they would try to give him their trust, they not once did. They even went so far as to use his own equipment against him, nearly taking his life. Had I not given him some of my blood, and use my new found knowledge of the human physiology to fix his internal wounds, he would have died.

Our kind can use the DNA of the creatures we consume to both understand they’re physiology and take their shape, he'd probably say 'how cliché of your kind' to this. He's a strange one, and what's a cliché? Anyway, it took some time, but I was able to save him. It was a major gamble on whether or not his body would accept my blood, however, it did and with little to no resistance. It was an unusual surprise. I'm completely different specie then him and yet it was accepted almost as if it was waiting for it. He is strange.

I had then vowed to stay next to him, mainly to protect, but I also figured that if he were to be alone, at least I won’t desert him. Eventually though, it became more of the reason to just simply be near him. I guess I have become quite attached to this other world’s native. He is quite funny and enjoyable to be around. Though the next surprising thing that happened is when his natured turned black. It was when the one called Milkein held his brother hostage.

The sounds of his heart were no more. There was only an eerie and dark silence. I did not like it. It felt cold and empty, completely unlike what I’ve ever seen before. I don't think I ever want to hear the lack of sound from him again, it makes me feel... empty... as well. When it was over, the melody returned only louder and clearer than before. If I were to use their terms, a weight had been lifted. This music is something I think I don't ever want to lose, though the music isn't the only thing I don't wish to lose. 

It's been a couple of days since we've arrived at his brother's place and right now I'm taking a walk, in my human form, while they sleep. Right now it's 0302, using the time he explained to me, the stars are still out and the single moon in the sky is still cradling the planet right now as well. Our location is a little outside of the city, far enough away to avoid that foul stench it gave off. It seems these past couple of days he was catching up with his brother, as they say, over the 15 years they had missed. I could hear the melancholy from both of them, but it was eventually overturned with joy.

I want to find the one who knows about us but right now the more pressing concern is, according to Sky, finding information on the mainland and its leaders. I don’t know this world so he suggested this to me, and I have discovered something interesting. Though he is the most respected, Kraug actually has the smallest country of the four. I wonder how he gained such fame with so little.

Humans are strange, why do they fight over simple petty topics? I watched one group conflict over a single, small card. Why? Another fought over what food looked like. Why would you fight over its appearance? It is food, isn’t it all the same? Doesn’t it all go through the same process? Why does its appearance matter? The most pressing concern to me is why, when they have found a mate, do they search for another? Shouldn’t you be devout and loyal to your mate? It’s disgusting honestly… I hope he isn’t like that.

“Hide the body, destroy the evidence.” What’s this? An odd group of humans surrounded a couple of other humans that lay on the ground. Driven by curiosity I approached wordlessly. “What the hell are you guys doing?! You idiots let an outsider approach. Get her!” I was immediately surrounded. Oops. “It’s a shame a pretty thing as you will have to die.” The one with the strongest heart amongst them said. It was filled with a repulsive darkness and it seems I have stumbled into something he wouldn’t want me to stumble into.

“I am sorry; I was curious so I wanted to see at a closer glance. It seems you are doing something considered what most would call illegal. Why?” I wanted to know why they would kill someone. Was it revenge? Did one of the two commit an attack on their mate? I read their thoughts and the answer was not what I expected. They seemed to have killed the two out of simple joy and for no reason. Why though? What’s so special about killing one of your own kind for no reason?

“We don’t need to answer a dead person.” He gave a nod to the others and they began to approach me with a bloodlust. Should I return the favor or leave? Which would make this easier on him? This is a city where the laws are upheld if I remember correctly. Even so, should I kill them? I would rather not. I’ll run and ask his opinion later.

When one of them swung a sharp object towards me, a blade if I’m not mistaken, I dodged and snuck past him. Using the dark I escaped their area of operation and fled to another part of the town. Aside from the main city, it seems there are smaller towns located all around and some of them actually uphold their laws. So I was told.

After a few moments I arrived in an unfamiliar setting. It seems I moved into a different town. They all look the same; however, their smell is completely different. This one smells murky and sickening, and I don’t like it. Well I need to understand this planet’s people if we are to hope to make a new home.

I remember him saying ‘show you the worse before showing you the best’. If this is the worse, I hope the best can make up for it. I’ve never heard of such horrid actions, that these humans take, before. I’m actually kind of scared to make this place our home if this is how it’ll be for us. I’ll tell Sky, he’ll figure something out.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

While I walked through this town I watched as people chased others, took things from others, and, if I’m not mistaken, killed others. How did he live through such a harsh environment? How could anyone? This is beginning to make me depressed. I don’t like it at all. Is this the reason for all the darkness in his heart?

Hmm? There seems to be a person helping a victim. So it’s not all that bad is it? It’s not a free for all after all. Though the one who tried to help was killed, at least they tried. I can see their light now. Though I heard this is the worse country, so maybe there will be a much brighter light in the mainland. I look forward to seeing it.

“Ah, found it.” After a few hours of wandering around I found the city’s library. “The Oren Library.” So this town is called Oren. I should understand their history from the books in their library; I wonder what it’s like. This interior is surprisingly nice, and the atmosphere is comforting as well. ‘How tranquil’ is what one would say. Though there’s still a retched smell, only it’s faint, as if it’s trying to hide itself.

After a few hours of reading their books, I’ve come to understand something more about them. They are a vain creature. Though they have been through many wars, discoveries, and tribulations, most of this is told in a way to show that they were always in the right. Why would they distort or leave out some of the facts just to make them look good? History should be told in truth, regardless of the outcome, is what the one he calls Gramps told me.

As I was reading the current book, biography of an inventor of what they call ‘the lightbulb’, I felt an eerie aura approach me from behind. I turned to face it only to be faced with emptiness. It returned, again, behind me causing me to, again, face it. Each time I would face it it would disappear. What is this? Is it a game? This presence doesn’t feel like an innocent child though.

I heard a faint sound and moved my head to faintly avoid a shiny object. I looked at its end location and discovered a blade lodged into the wood of a book shelf. Why would that be? I went over and picked it up and observed it. It seems to appear a little dull on the sides but extremely sharp on the end. I looked around searching for the one that threw it. I felt its presence again this time with a little vengeance and anger. A few more blades were thrown at me but I didn’t want to damage the books so I had to catch them. The anger grew to rage causing a blunder. The presence revealed itself to be a dark, and near completely clothed person. I could barely make out a smell, a revolting one if unrepressed. This person is good at masking its presence.

“Freakin hell, what are you? No human could catch those and live.” I could hear his wrath in his voice. Have I been discovered? No, I’ve made sure to hide myself when I changed forms. Maybe he just thinks I’m a super human. I hope that’s the case. “And they said this’d be an easy job.” Ah, I almost forgot. I don’t normally read Sky’s thoughts so I had almost forgotten I could. ‘Those bastards should gather more information on their target before requesting a kill. This chick is seriously underestimated. Well a job’s a job.’

“Do you intend to kill me?” I asked just to confirm.

“Seriously lady, I’ve tossed so many blades, aimed at your head, and you still can’t figure that out? Are you stupid?” his wrath turned to discontent upon answering.

“No, I just needed to confirm.” I then dashed out the library with the intention of bringing him to a darkened area. I can’t lose this guy so I’ll have to kill him. I’m sorry Sky.

“Heh, leading me to a dark alley wasn’t the brightest idea you could do.” He’s confident, but cautious. I could hear his thoughts that held caution towards my actions. It seems he thinks this is a trap. He isn’t wrong.

“Actually, this makes things easier.” I had gathered all the information I need from his thoughts so there was no need to force him to talk. Before he could react I turned my hand into a blade and pierced his heart, lifting him into the air.

“What?” he had a confused expression, not understanding how I could pierce his heart before he could react. So were his jumbled thoughts.

As I held him midair I used my other hand to pierce his right lung then ripped him in half by forcing my hands out to the sides. His heart flattened against the wall, along with his lung. The rest of the body reacted weirdly and blew up. Did I use too much force?

 There was a sick feeling in my stomach when it was over. I don’t like this feeling. It hurts. Does he feel this every time he takes the life of another? How can he do it? It has to be torture. Will he go through even worse pains for us? What have we done to him…?

I’ll talk with him later on it but, from the information I gathered it seems some of the higher ups from the mainland caught on to us and are trying to take us out. Thinking since I didn’t act at all and only stood to the side they misconstrued me being the weakest. I’m glad it was I they targeted instead of Sky; he would surely have died from this.

I wonder when the others will wake. Is it even possible for us to live here? Do we even deserve to live here? Why did all of this have to happen? When will we be able to live without having to look behind us? I… I’m scared… How can he be so confident all the time...? He’s going against his own kind, his own home, just to make one for us… Why are you going so far…?

"I need to return." I started walking towards where Sky resides only to be interrupted by a suffocating smell.

"Oh? I was on my way to recover your body, yet it appears you're still alive." A male dressed gaudily approached me. "I figured since he stopped moving for a while he'd be waiting for me as planned. Oh well, I'll finish the job myself then."

This guy looks important, so killing him might be a mistake. Yet I don't see any outcome where escaping without letting him onto me is possible. I hope I can reason with him. "Would it be any at all possible that you could let me leave peacefully?"

"Not a chance. Your friend caused quite the stir killing Milkein and we want him and all of his associates out of the picture." I could hear nothing but wickedness drumming out of his heart.

"I don't want to hurt you. Please, just let me leave peacefully." I pleaded. Please just leave. Please.

"I'm afraid I can't do that." He made some kind of movement and a few people appeared almost out of thin air. How could they get close without me sensing them? I have to leave here.

I made a break, and dodged their attacks, while maintaining a speed that is possible for humans and escaped their clutches. They refused to let up on me, in fact, they were catching up. How? I'm going the top speed a human can physically go. Well the distance is far enough, I can't transform but Sky taught me some places that'll knock humans out. I faced the opponents and, with rapid succession, hit the places he taught me.

No effect? They were rather hard compared to Sky, are they even human? I haven't heard a single sound from them this whole time, or a single thought. If that's the case, then maybe... I used force that could easily kill a human and punched the chest of one of the pursuers. What was revealed was metal and wires, it looked advanced compared to this country's technology.

So they’re not human. They’re not even alive. I don’t have to fear anything upon destroying them then. So I thought, and then proceed to rapidly and efficiently destroy each of the pursuers. “Maybe he’ll want to look at these.” I voiced aloud then proceeded to pick one up. When I did I found a good spot to run at my speed without being seen and made a dash to Sky’s place.

When I arrived there was a person waiting at the door with an abnormally patient air about him. I wonder what he’s here for. Does he have some to discuss with sky? You’ll have to wait a little longer, he sleeps in a lot.

“Ah, excuse me miss, would you perhaps be a resident of this home?” the man calmly inquired.

“Yes, did you need something?” Maybe I could help him and save Sky some trouble.

“Yes, I’m looking for the man named Sky. I was told he would be residing here for the time being.” He answered honestly and willingly.

“He is, but is it important?” I don’t think he should be disturbed over something trivial.

“Ah, yes, it would seem that the countries from the mainland are concerned with the actions of Mr. Sky. I have been sent to inform him that he is being requested for an inquiry.” Oh. That sounds important. I guess I’ll go wake him up.

“Let me go get him.” I told the guy and, while dragging the machine, entered the house.