There's a thing about the journey of man. No journey is the same and no journey can be compared with another. The Fool who has fallen to temptation found hope through reflection and the perspective of others. While he nearly succumbed to the illusion of The Moon, The Sun opened his eyes and led him back to enlightenment. It's his insight that would give him The Judgment to the road he chose. And yet, despite all of that...

The Fool lingered on the past and remained adamant about taking The Star to escape The Tower. The Fool who refused to accept his fate in this new world.

The Fool who would have accepted his rebirth into a demon.

"Do you think I have to accept this? After learning you erased my whole being for that...that monster possessing my body!"

Why so stubborn, Aster? I thought you would like this life. No one can treat you like dirt and you can never associate yourself with your old home again.

"I told you to stop calling me that! I don't know what you do to me, but I want out of this hellhole right now!"

Honestly... I thought I already understood this side of you. The side who wanted to be free. The side who was never ashamed of his morbid curiosity. That's the side I want to see once you're free from the shackles of your misery.

"But I don't want this. I only asked to be free from that world, not to be trapped by it! What's the point of me living?!"

Geez... No wonder why your special ability wasn't at its full potential. Your life is mired by misery and despair from living. No matter what your persona wanted, there is a sliver of doubt and hatred hidden within your heart.

"Just please... Kill me. Don't turn me into a monster! I don't want to live like this!"

That's not what you wish for, Aster. You were desperate to prove yourself, curious about the dark world that you now call home. You can't hide them from the river of self-doubt you're drowning yourself in.

Either way, I doubt my words will reach you. I did everything to make you feel comfortable without crossing the boundaries of the Time God.

If only we made a proper appointment, then you may see things my way.

"Appoint...ment?"

Then again, why not right now? I can make some arrangements if you like.

"What the hell does that suppo-"

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I gasped as I blinked my eyes. I don't have any chains on my wrists and ankles anymore. Rather, I seem to be in some sort of a small shop. It wasn't cramped as I only saw a rack full of knick-knacks I couldn't recognize and a counter in front of it. Behind the counter was a black-haired woman in a black dress as she stared at me with her deep scarlet eyes and a smile smeared in dark red lipstick. There seemed to be no one but me in the shop and I doubt she would let me leave so easily.

"Care to take a seat, young man?"

I frowned as I glared at the woman. "What is all this?"

"What is what?"

I narrow my eyes. "Who the hell are you? Why are you trying to turn me into a monster?"

"I mean... That's what you wish for. Honestly, you already made your resolve, but it's your inner doubts almost relapsed into your nihilism. I swear, your soul is more complicated than any other human I met." The woman groaned, yet she continued to smile. "That's what I like about you. Aimless, but unpredictable."

"Stop spouting nonsense, lady! It's not like I want to be here!" I screamed in rage. "Why don't you let me die? I have nothing to live for in that world and neither is in my old home. Becoming a monster doesn't help "solving my problem". If you don't have anything for me to get from you, then let me go."

But she sighed and said, "And that's why I said I can't let you go easily. You're almost at the stage of regaining who you were. But you have to work that side of you. The remains of your shredded humanity and recycle something new. A true rebirth, to be precise."

I guess it's pointless for me to reason with this bitch. Besides, I already see an old knife on a shelf on my left. If I can reach it, then...

"That's why I'm here to help you reach your true potential. And the role you will bring to yourself."

Like I want to stay alive with y-

SNAP!

Huh? Why can't I move my arms? I was so close to screwing this lady's plans and yet...

"Do not move until I ask you."

As soon as I heard her voice, I slowly put the dots together. "Don't tell me... Y-"

SNAP!

"Do not speak until I ask you."

Something suddenly stuck in my throat. I tried to call her out, but no voice came out of my mouth. Could it be the snap of her fingers...

SNAP!

"Do not conspire against me."

SNAP!

"Do not disobey my orders."

SNAP!

"Do not speak ill of yourself or anything around you. That includes my customers and the stock currently available."

SNAP!

"Adding to that, do not show your face if you're uncomfortable in front of them. Do not show your true emotions that display negativity to my clients."

What is this? The more ridiculous orders she made, the more I couldn't do anything to fight back. How the hell did she do all of that?! I-I can't...!

"Young man, if you truly think the end justifies all means, then you have a naïve outlook of humanity and the world around you. I understand how you struggled to make ends meet and gained nothing from your family and past life. But if you truly believe there is nothing for you and everyone else to gain from your existence, then I will show what it means to be human."

By controlling me? This isn't what being a human...

SNAP!

"Until I say otherwise, you are not allowed to think. You're not allowed to seclude yourself in your mind. You must have full focus on the waking and me alone."

I... I...

"Your mind and individuality now belong to me. You must think like me and act as I want you to be. You now belong to me and I will give you what it means to have humanity in return for your services."

I...can't... I don't...want...

"You can trust me, Aster. That's what you are and that is your true goal. Do not fight the inevitable as you will soon face Judgment."

I...

I am Aster. And I belong to you.

That's...what I am.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

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It has been an hour since the young Human boy disappeared from the mansion. I have been searching around the forest nearby to see if he hasn't run too far. To the nocturnal demons living in the area, they will prowl around for signs of prey. Once they catch the human's scent, then they won't stop their pursuit until they catch and eat him. Which is why it's imperative to recover the human boy as soon as possible.

However, searching through the forest is much more difficult even for a Drago Nox like me. When I change into my dragon form, I can gain a birds-eye-view thanks to my wings. However, with the new moon coming tonight, it would be difficult for me to find the boy in the sky. All I can do is to track his scent and...

Hold on... I noticed another scent very familiar to me. Only, this one doesn't seem to belong to a Wild Demon.

"Oh, there you are, Casia."

That voice... I turned around to see...

"Vander?! I thought I told you to stay at the mansion!"

"And what? Let you wait for him to be eaten by Wild Demons. Besides, I already took care of the difficult part."

I was confused about what he meant. But I looked down and gasped to see the human boy, sleeping on the young Master's lap. Whenever he slept beside me back in the cave, he often flailed about while muttering thoughts from his tragic past with his former home. But this time, he was sleeping quietly with a gentle smile on his face.

"What in the Goddess's name did you do, young Master?" I asked as I processed the fact that he managed to find the human boy on his own.

"I simply have a heart-to-heart with him," Vander answered with an unusually calm tone. "As for how I found him, I had to recall your teachings and use a combination of Fire and Darkness to locate him."

I widen my eyes. I did teach him the basics of divination spells. But I specifically mentioned that it would be possible with Light and Nature. I didn't expect him to create a spell nor use both of those elements just so he could locate the human boy. I understand he's special due to the circumstances of his birth. Yet, this is more than a special ability. No, this has to do with the Goddess. There were a few cases where a demon was born not from conversion or birth. Other than that, everything else is a mystery even to the demons.

"The more impossible acts you've made, the more I question your methods, young Master," I muttered as I rubbed the bridge between my nose. "Which begs the question. What happened to Aster?"

"Are you talking about the current Aster or the real one?"

...It seems like I have my answer.

"So he has fallen asleep once more."

"Only for a while." The young Master sighed. "While I'm saddened to see him go once more, I'm aware that's not the real Aster I seek. The real Aster possessed fragments of our forgotten past. The Aster who knew the balance between light and darkness. The Aster who bridges between humanity and the demonic."

I also sighed as I sat next to Vander while trying not to wake the human boy. "According to the prophecy our Lady gave us, you will have the ability of both a human and a demon. But other than your knack for unique abilities related to magic, I don't seem to notice anything peculiar recently."

"Probably because of Aster. I wish I could tell him, but I doubt I have anything to help him confront his forgotten past. If he wants to unlock his true self, he has to do it himself." Vander then started to frown. "Still, it's so frustrating not to help him. I'm supposed to be his other self, but I can't do anything to support him right now."

I understand his frustrations. He's the manifestation of Aster's darkness. Yet neither of us knew what it was. Even with the knowledge of the mind's intricacies and the power to read minds, I can't read and understand the hearts of humanity. And Vander's heart is the most complicated I've ever encountered. With his origins as a former human who was born into the Demon Territory without his memories, the only way we can help Aster is to be by his side and prepare for his reawakening. But that doesn't mean Vander's concerns would disappear with that advice alone.

"If you want to support him, then do more than be brutally honest to him and others," I suggested. "The truth can set them free. But if you only tell him nothing but the truth, there is nothing for them to help them accept it. Seeing the human boy's smile is the right step for you. Do not forget your kindness over ruthless confrontations."

"I guess you're right. I'm glad I hold back my darkness to help Gabriel."

I raised my eyebrow when I heard that unfamiliar name. "Gabriel?"

Vander nodded. "Yeah. We agreed that he would be part of the House of Lavender. I understand the risks of having a human in the Demon Territory. But I have a feeling he won't associate with his old home for long. The only thing left is for him to decide his final fate. I can grant him his wish, but I will not force it against his will."

I'm surprised at his declaration. With how many demonic alchemy experiments he performed after the old Master's passing, I'm surprised his morality has dulled from the sacrifices he made. And yet, he didn't lose it and rather made a vow to ensure he wouldn't use his abilities to the innocent. It was a naïve dream, yet it was something he might achieve with his unique abilities.

Maybe he needs more than Aster. Maybe he needs more than me. With the right people by their side, they might bring change to both worlds and turn Monochroma upside down.

And Gabriel might be the catalyst of their revolution.

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"Come again!"

I quietly watch the client disappear behind the door as it closes. I couldn't do anything but watch behind the counter and watch her wave goodbye to them.

How many clients did she take already? I wanted to count how many, but I'm not allowed to do so. Why did I listen to her though? Was it validation? Was it fear? It doesn't matter. I follow the Mistress and I will only act if she wishes me to do so. There's nothing for me to think through but to follow her orders around the shop.

Yet I have a sinking feeling I shouldn't. A voice that I shouldn't listen to. But why shouldn't I? I need to follow her orders. That's what I want for myself.

"Well, it seems like you're behaving well, Aster."

I look up and see the Mistress approaching me. She looks beautiful in the candlelight behind her. She reminds me of a goddess reigning the night.

"I think it's a good time for me to quiz you on some details. You can speak."

SNAP!

I blink my eyes. I open my mouth and let out a voice after so long. Was that my voice? I didn't know how young I sounded despite how deep it sounded.

"Now, I will give a limited time to recall them. What do my last client want for their visit?"

SNAP!

What do they want? I feel like it's coming back to me.

"They only ask for some antiques for their houses."

The Mistress smiled. She approved my response.

"That is correct. Yet, there is a reason behind the sold antiques. They seemed to be troubled by other means. Can you share what it is?"

I close my eyes, recalling more of their visit recently.

"They... They expressed their disdain to someone. Someone who was supposed to be related to them."

"And why is that?"

"...I'm not sure."

I frowned at that last answer. I want to see her smile again, but I don't know the answer to that.

"Well, don't be too sad. I did tell you not to show it in public. Besides, your observations are nearly flawless," my Mistress said in her soothing voice. "As for your answer, it's partially correct. They lost their mother and their father was remarried to another woman. The reason why they hate their stepmother is the feeling of betrayal. The thought of replacing the person you love with another. It can affect what they have as a family if they let their jealousy and grief consume them."

So that's why. That was sad, yet I couldn't seem to understand that client. I wanted to, but even with the Mistress's orders, I couldn't.

"Now before we move on, do you have any questions?"

SNAP!

I hummed as I collected the thoughts she would allow me at this time.

"Why did they not accept your offer?" I asked. "Did they say they wanted their mother back?"

My Mistress chuckled. "Because that's what they truly want. The heart and soul never lies as long you're honest with your feelings."

"But... I don't understand. You offered her a chance. But at the same time, you discouraged her to take it. Isn't the point of your services that they will accept your offers to achieve your goals?"

"That is true. There is a price to use our services. However, they have a chance to choose. If I make an illusion of choice, I'm no better than a corrupted demon. Humanity has a chance to choose and they must be aware of the consequences. I merely show them if they take my offer and in the end, they made a wise choice to understand their stepmother better."

That...doesn't make any sense. I want to understand, but it's all circles for me.

"It's too soon for you to wrap that topic around your head, Aster. You cannot see what is black or white for humanity. By truly understanding others, you may know the thoughts and pains they endured in one go. If one goes away, another will fall. Good cannot conquer evil if they don't exist and you cannot truly see through the light without the darkness to dampen it. There are no right or wrong answers to the game of life. Please keep that in mind as you interact with others."

I see. I think I understand the client's intentions.

"Now then..."

SNAP!

I closed my mouth as soon as heard her finger snap.

"You may resume your duties. I may need your assistance on the inventory."

I nod. If anything for my Mistress, I shall do so for her sake.

Yet I asked myself the same thing. Her Grace gave me a home and a purpose. Yet they were nothing more than her wishes than mine. What kind of wish am I supposed to have? And what is my role in all of this?

Alas, my Grace commanded me to stop thinking. I don't know what else should I do. But for now, I shall follow her will until the end of time.

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I assure you, my young sapling.

It's a matter of time until you realize your true potential.

So slumber in the darkness, Aster. And you shall realize your true role in your new home.

I shall be observing your progress, young sapling.

Until then, sleep well.

My other self.