"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/communication apparatus]
Date: 10th January 1084
Location: County of Toron, Victoria
POV: Narrator
Kal’tsit is now watching a heart rate monitor while performing medical checks upon a certain ashen haired Pythian on a medical bed, the patient had done nary a movement other than her beating heart.
“How fare our fair maiden, Cleric? It has been 10 days after all. It was a horrifying misfortune to have seen her like that.” Naturally his and Thomson’s men were involved during the recovery process and keeping the situation under control.
“She is stable now, her skin had mostly reformed. The bleeding had stopped, and her complexion had turned for the better.”
“Glad to hear it, I’m still quite baffled with her situation back then.” Vincent can vividly recall her body which was bereft of skin.
“Hmm… can such a thing was truthfully caused by arts?” he wondered aloud, he is by no means an expert but no one said anything about needing to be one to speculate.
“Speculatively yes, Terra was never unacquainted with new excitement that is eager for attention. She has an astounding resilience and adaptability. I had checked upon her rotted flesh and found an intriguing insight, however I must sternly remind you that I shall not share anything regarding a patient current status.”
“That’s understandable, but… do we really need to conceal this fact from her father?” she said nothing but focusing on the periodic chart in hand. She did consider his words… it is just that…
‘Immanuel is old, too old in fact, even for his kin. Give him something like this and I’m afraid he will finally cracked under pressure… he still can’t, or most likely never will if I’m being honest, accepted the fact that Aurelia passed away with their stillborn twins. His face when he know it was one of suffocating emptiness.’ Thus she shift the topic elsewhere while fiddling with her pen.
“Had Arkell managed to be hale and hearty once more?”
“He had recovered most excellently, to think that the Duke of-”
“It would be prudent to halt where it is.”
“… Ahem, Arkell had said that he will be here by the next moon. Other than that, the County is quiet. Just as I always envisioned.”
“Toron will grow, how far it can grow is the question…”
“A small price, a small sacrifice, all for Toron’s satisfice, thus it will suffice.”
“Victorian cas-”
“*cough* *cough* *wheeze* *cough* *cough*!”
Nyx is suddenly coughing like mad. Her skin unraveled once more. Kal’tsit, without panicking, starts applying more medical aid. Vincent, despite his image, positioned himself close by and awaits her instruction raptly.
“Please bring me the arts suppressant along with the inflammation gels and bleeding medicine on the table to the left.”
“Of course.”
The Cleric is checking upon Nyx’s heart rate that has been jumping rapidly and inconsistently.
“How is her respiration?” Vincent then handed her the arts suppressant, already uncapped for injection.
“Sometimes it crash through the zenith, sometimes it also floated merely a hairbreadth away from its nadir. Stabilization is underway.”
“Judging by how much she convulsed, Nyx is suffering an immense duress.”
“Similar thoughts with mine, please fetch me another shot of anesthetics.”
“Will you require Ibuprofen or other painkillers too?”
“Not yet, but nothing is wrong with being cautious.”
The two of them worked tirelessly, with Kal’tsit handling most of the operational and Vincent organizing and fetching for necessary medication. The Feline Cleric had also taken a note on how Nyx’s muscle seems to being torn and reformed almost imperceptibly, completely alien in terms of how rapid it goes.
‘Interesting, her body is more than just a wealth of knowledge. It is a national treasure, all the more reason to keep a flexible view on her situation.’
Vincent then noticed a greenish liquid dripping down Grey Serpent’s mouth, but he reminded himself that the Cleric won’t answer him regarding the patient personal status. Kal’tsit scooped up a few dribbles of that greenish liquid in a vial for further research and analysis.
Naturally Vincent gave her a look.
“Fret not, I will wait until the consent was given. It won’t do for me to take advantage of her vulnerability.”
“Prudent, and quite effective.”
After several more injections, cleaning, and medical treatment, Nyx’s finally stabilized and her coughing had stopped. The Count finally breathed out in relief and exhaustion, he crumble on a nearby chair and cleaned up the sweats gathering upon his brows.
“Jolly, that was a workout. Praise be Arkell constant nagging for me to learn a smattering bit regarding medicines…”
“That was truly impressive, inexperienced but you definitely understood what needs to be done.”
“Coming from you, I’m honored to have such a priceless acknowledgment… then how long would it take for her to recover?”
“Her situation isn’t too dissimilar to what I had seen. Her recovery can range from few days until years. Hopefully it was the former, else everyone would start noticing her absence.”
“Well, is there anything else you wish to petition me?”
“At the moment I had more than satisfactory work flow being done, I thank you for your assistance.”
“Bah, I’m doing this because I wanted to and it is the more affable route to trudge upon. Now then, let me excuse myself, my wife would be tremendously cross with me if I fled from and dismissed my mountain of paperwork.”
“Once again thank you, and you know where to find me for a stiff shoulder’ medication.”
“Hah! I’ll gladly impose upon your offer.”
A significant amount of time later…
Location: Vincent’s Manor, County of Toron, Victoria
POV: Nyx
“Ugh… hell… fuck me… ” I groaned after my eyes open and look at unfamiliar ceiling… god, how long was I out? The last thing I recalled was fighting that eldritch jar called Emperor’s Blade… fuck, I got things ready except against potential horror from another dimension.
“Mind your language.” A female voice made me jump reflexively, fuck did I got captured!?
“!?” I immediately tried to jump out of the bed… only to stumble back with severe pain assailing my body…
“Ow! Fuck! mrrrhhh….!” Infusion needle, hearth monitor, feeding tubes, and a lot of things were yanked away, quite discomforting too but then again I was more shocked than pained.
“Easy there, you’re still in Toron.” Moving my gaze, I see Kal’tsit with some kind of papers in hand. She appears disinterested… if I disregard her apparent scowl…
“Ugh… how long was I out?” Kal’tsit is placing back all of my detached medical equipment to where it should be except for the feeding tubes. Then she answered my query.
“2 months, 1 week, 4 days, 11 hours, 52 minutes, and 15.57 seconds.” Ok that’s way too detailed…
“… Shit… anything else I should be aware of?” Should I be glad that the coma lasted only 2 months or lamenting the fact that my activity just goes blank for that long? Problems must have had happened…
“Mr. Thomson came for a visit exactly 22 days ago. Lord Count’s men and soldiers are on a state of high readiness regarding the incident, several reports of minor civil disruptions was also documented. Regarding your injury, your body had mostly recovered, but therapy is in order. Can you move your legs?”
I tried to move it and… nothing… damn it.
“Hah… so I’m stuck here huh? Till when? Can’t I just, you know, continue my treatment on the go? I can handle it…” I said when my hand is about to touch the infusion connected to me, only to get my hand slapped away by a less than pleased doctor. This woman seems like going to be a pain to deal…
“That would be doable but utterly unwise. Both your mind and body would needs to reacclimatize, proven by your less than responsive body. Which is why I must ask you for any potential discomforts, do you have any at the moment notice?”
“… Sure… Hmm, Well… I only feel a tad lightheaded, my muscles being stiff, my legs feels like bricks and… that’s it?”
“Within acceptable parameters so far… You left out the fact that you’re in pain just a moment before.”
“Well… that was more like um… how do I put it? Um… phantom pain reflex? If that makes sense…”
“Physical or mental trauma had affected you, are you willing to confide the cause?”
“Yea… I did recalled some unpleasant memories…” Technically not lying there.
“If it comes off as uncomfortable, we can postpone it upon a later date. Urgency must not disregard stability.”
“Right, also thank you for saving and taking care of me.” I bowed my head to her while still vividly recalling how she saved me from being dead, or worse, at the hand of Emperor’s Blade. There is also a matter about the eldritch entity…
‘Eldritch horrors usually end up as a type of hazard… best I keep mum about it… will she pursue though?’
“No need to mention it, I merely done what was necessary to help patients as per my occupation.” Kal’tsit then cleaned up the mess I had created, and handed me a health report to read.
“Saving lives should be our utmost priority, regardless of who you are.”
“Regarding the incident… guess there is only so much you can do alone…” I said while reading the health report given to me.
’17 times gone critical, skins melting, bleeding, vomiting blood, and lots of stuff…’ Skim reading it made me cringed a little.
“That’s true, but I must commend you for measuring up to an Emperor’s Blade it was no small feat after all. That is something you can be proud of, if nothing else.”
“Heh… the fact you can even save me from that monster of a man means you’re no slouch yourself.”
“Mm-hmm.” I can sense her feelings to be really… blasé? She is not as excited as the topic imply… who is this woman really? Also why didn’t she pursue the matter? I feel like missing something but…
‘I will not poke a hornet nest right by the front door. Best continued on where we left off…’
“Have you done the analysis or at least data sampling on my body then?”
“Other than just collecting your venom for later and comparing your rotting flesh differences, no I haven’t. I’m still awaiting for your consent.”
“Didn’t I insinuated said consent months ago?”
“You did, but your body was barely suitable for it supported by the fact that you’re in a coma. Thus my reluctance, and I hope you had comprehend that report very carefully.”
“Yeah I did… So, can you do it right here, right now, then?”
“You’re still unwell, it would be most prudent for us to postpone it. I can make some time in the future, and I would have preferred for neither of us to act rashly… but I suppose an exception can be made. Still are you sure about this? Be warned that I will stop the moment your body reacted negatively.” Then her gaze turn a tad apologetic.
“One last thing, I deeply apologize.” She bowed her head a little, naturally I’m confused as all hell.
“What for?”
“You know why.” My eyes widened in realization… before I just sighed wearily. So that’s why the Blade was there? Well, just my luck but there is no point of getting mad at her.
“… You’re quite calm regarding the incident.” Hah, she’s a tad surprised. I’m not the type of person who throw blame around…
“This and that is unrelated in my book so if you want to apologize go to Vincent. He is the master of the venue, I’m just a security detail. Sure you might have caused me to almost die, but it would be idiotic of me to fault you when the primary cause was it was my job first and foremost. Like, imagine a security that fault their employer’ guest because they are making their job harder? Sounds stupid to me.” I snort, more annoyed than anything.
“I should have been a better security detail, my rationality is that even when one of the guest was the sole target of a bunch of suicide bombers, my job still stands. Your problem and its complications was with my employer whom you deceived and nothing else needs to be said to me.” I just shrug since that’s what it is. You got paid to secure the venue, so you did what you’re paid for.
“I see, I shall do as you recommend me. Now then, are you ready?” Kal’tsit nodded lightly, but I managed to get a feel of Kal’tsit’ interest through her emotion, briefly of course.
POV: Kal’tsit
“Well, I’m the patient here, and I already imposed on you so go ahead.” Hmm… she refrained from commenting about the incident’ aftermath any further. Best shelve it for later.
“You’re surprisingly calm and understanding, unlike what rumors loved painting you as.”
“Poise and shit is important, but it is more important on how to utilize it…”
“By that logic, you have a really daring countenance. So much so that fighting an opponent stronger than you in a prolonged fashion was treated as mere misfortune?”
“Pfft… that hurt…”
“Would you prefer a much more acceptable wording then? I’m more than well-versed on the subject of psychological therapy and mental counseling.”
“Nah, you’re right… I never thought of myself as an invincible bitch… yet I got cocky subconsciously anyway…”
“Disregarding your less than ideal style of conversational decorum, again, what’s your aim from this? Surely sample extraction is a simple thing, no?”
“… An honest assessment and please start the damn surgery.”
“Make yourself comfortable, I shall apply anesthetics.”
“Never need it, just carved out my hand already, I can take it.”
“No can do, I’m medical professional and medical protocol exist for a reason.”
“Hah…”
After she made herself comfortable I injected the anesthetics. I proceed to layer out her soon to be exposed hand with a sterile veil and only then did the primary surgery starts. Instead of the usual recoil and fright from seeing such a gory view, she seems to be holding back a chuckle.
“Interesting isn’t it? I should at least be unnerved but meh…”
“Do not try to use an excuse of being barely feeling pain to mask your problematic tendency. Excess does not happen overnight, it was fed and left to fester as an unhealthy coping mechanism… but judging by your expression or lack thereof, you preferred pain to an unhealthy extent. I won’t judge your personal taste, but as a doctor I will enforce your upcoming health treatment plan.”
“…” Nyx looked away from me… hah, I must deal with a rather peculiar patient too…
“Do I make myself clear?”
“… I never had a problem with it…”
“It is not a matter of what never happened, it is pertaining what could potentially happen. Which is why I’ll need you to inform me for anything that can potentially improve your comfort be it physically or psychologically, and for some patients, spiritually.”
“Can I smoke then? It is an effective way to soothe me mentally.”
“No, I’ll add prohibition to any addictive substance, and it is non-negotiable. You will abstain from smoking for the next 6 months. I’ll also put on a restriction on which combat stimuli you can utilize, what sort of diet for a whole year, and how to manage yourself along with several health plans you can choose.”
“Welp, so much for that I guess… Carry on…”
She gave up trying to bargain her way in. Back to the surgery, her muscle density is truly abnormal, courtesy on my long experience to conclude that with a mere glance and memory matching, but I will need concrete evidence soon enough by way of laboratory examination. I briefly look back at her, her brows are furrowed ever so slightly.
“Something on your mind?”
“Well… just thinking what can be done better really…” her voice is thick with bitterness and shame.
“If it is what I think you’re alluding to, then it would be more beneficial for you of stopping there. You might be accepting with the idea of mental training and conditioning, but human psyche is not something to be trifled with.” I take an extra flesh tissue, a leftover one that got half-embedded, a flesh that had conjoined, and another one just for data back-up.
“A mere strings of words can be turned into suggestions, and suggestions can be turned into a subconscious reflex that is more hazardous than at first thought and dismissed. These suggestions created the basic foundation of human empathetic and sympathetic consciousness, it will mold how you react to certain name calling and labelling for example.” Checking her heart rate, it is stable so I see no reason not to continue, and then meld her flesh back without stitches to hold it.
“While it has benefits as a mean for self-introspection, overdoing it will cause the opposite with potential instability multiplying each time an incident occurred. I also must make a point that expensive medical examination doesn’t always equated as a surefire treatment, just politics seeping in shamelessly under the guise of expedited process.” Her flesh starts to close itself, her body regeneration is truly potent.
“…” She then mumbled something that sadly gone unreadable due to her lips being too obscured for me to read.
“Lady Nyx?”
“It’s nothing and first, just call me Nyx. I doubt a hunting dog like myself even qualify for that stuck-up courtesy in private. Then second… Do you ever, like, shut up?”
“Understood, I’ll address you as such, and for the latter it is imperative for me to get my intention and assessment across. It is important to ensure that a patient can understand their situation to avoid further complications.” I carefully put pressure on her hand, it is not unraveling, a green light for blood sampling.
“The smallest form of negligence, such as failing to inform the patient of their physical, psychological, and even religious state, can potentially implicate and encourage a festering for negative outcomes, amongst other more disastrous probabilities that would only bore you to no end.” While saying that, I watched on raptly how her blood vessels seems to subconsciously prepared itself… truly puzzling…
“A simple encouragement goes a long way in field of mental therapy or simple psychological assessment. To deny a human of simple endorphin injection, so to speak, can be hazardous on their psychological health upon further inspection and examination. Alternatively, it will be the highest form of offence when a doctor neglect their oath to ensure that their patients can be saved and guaranteed basic human dignity and suitable accommodations.” I cleaned up her arms with disinfectant and prepare a gauze for injection, blood extraction would require a sterile procedure.
“You’re a real motor mouth, yeah?”
“Just a side effect of lecture and… you’re surprisingly welcoming with meddlesome medical expert. I had envisioned you would be talking back at me a lot more frequently.” I stopped momentarily to check the syringes and blood bag, 5 pieces of 10ml syringes should do it along with 2 250 ml blood bags.
“I’m a hunting dog, not a rabid dog. Talking back too much against a medic rarely end well, I’ll still get annoyed but I know better than to dismiss expert’s words. I have some medical aptitude yeah, but compared to an expert will only make me look like an ass.” Nyx moved her gaze on the syringes and looks a tad puzzled.
“For your information, you have an interesting and priceless body. Your genetics would fetch hundreds of million at the barest minimum, if you so inclined.”
“Yeah no, would rather not be a lab rat…” Is there something wrong with the syringes? She keeps looking at it.
“I’m not one to talk ill regarding others, but you must tread lightly when dealing with Columbian.”
“Thanks for the heads up… hah… there goes the Land of the Free…” She broke her gaze and settled back on her medical pillow.
“Land of the Free is it? A fitting, point-of-view based, conjecture.”
“Mm-hm, so… How much longer?”
“After I take your blood sample for further analysis. Which would then take months, if not years of said analysis. Of course you can decline a thorough examination.” I inserted the first syringe, she doesn’t appears to have any fright with it… so why did she stared at it?
“I thought you would strong-arm me to hand you what you need? Especially with your buddy there while I’m still pretty much a potato.” First done, now the second syringe…
“To be positively objective, forcing my way will only result catastrophically, even when the outcomes proves beneficial for me. Besides, only a fool would harm you like that…”
“Thank god for my reputation, if nothing else…”
“Still, how come you’re fine with it? You can’t monitor what I do, for all I care I might jeopardize your privacy.” Second done, the third is on the way.
“I’m trying to make good on what dad told me those months or years ago to chill out a little, and I won’t bother hiding it. So please, go blame Vincent and amuse me.” Fourth not too long after
“The subject of human honesty is all a matter of perspective at best, you ought to be more careful.”
“I should indeed, thanks for the warning. How much blood would you need from me?” Last syringe of blood extraction…
“Depends on what is needed. Blood donor takes around 450-600 ml, blood transfusion can range up to 1200 ml for every transfusion, and there are more classifications that would takes time to explain. But since yours would be needed for research, it will take no more than 550 ml as you can observe from what I had prepared.” I stored all filled-up syringes inside a special suitcase.
“How much blood does an adult has again?”
“It was 6 – 8 liters for average Terran, Elder race usually have more and the Sarkaz are just complicated to explain due to their interconnected yet technically independent sub-races. Wendigos can have 20+ liters of blood in their body for example.” While observing the blood bag I can have a much clearer view on her blood.
‘Hmm…? It is thicker than usual and the viscosity is more akin to venom too? Just what is this woman really? I gained more questions than there are answers. Doesn’t help that the mysterious girl I seen briefly that fateful night flashed in my mind every now and then.’
After finishing up the first blood bag, I reorganized my thoughts on what can be observed empirically.
‘Retracing what I had gathered… She is reasonable and affable, but acutely desensitized. Her muscle and musculature is 5x thicker than that of an average Ursus, tentative estimation. Her blood vessels can react unconsciously and her venom is mixing with her blood. Lastly, her blood viscosity appears to be higher as well… Curious…’
“An interesting blood you have here, the possibility that it takes longer to analyze is high.”
“Take your time, wouldn’t want you to fuck up or getting an objective assessment that was shot to hell…”
“I’ll take your advice, amongst many others. This blood of yours is unique, but Terra always has its own set of unique individuals.”
“Well, as long as you don’t sell it to the black market, then I’m good…”
“… Your nonchalance puzzles me…”
“Are we done then?”
“As a matter of fact, yes.”
“So now I just turned into a potato yeah? Hah…”
“It can’t be helped. You need to rest, and I’ll be here for a while so don’t hesitate to reach out to me, however…” I lend Nyx her own Personal terminal. She got the gist of what needs to be done, but I can see sadness and shame settling in within her eyes.
“I’ll say this, you don’t need to be fully honest with him, but ensure and emphasize that he knows you’re alright. Immanuel is old, he would be beyond worried if he knows that you fought an Emperor’s Blade and almost end up home in a casket. Have a good rest.” With that I left the room.
Location: Wladirosa, Northern Kazimierz
POV: Immanuel
12 years had passed since Nyx arrived in Wladirosa and it has been 7 years since she left to explore the world. Then just 2-3 years passed since I met her in Victoria, looking so homesick and lonely… the last time I seen her was 11 months ago when I just have to congratulate her performance… then she vanished, not long after November last year… Just where are you?
“… What’s wrong, teach?” My worried face can be seen clearly by her. Well, I can’t help it really. Not to mention that my usual informant to keep track of her well-being had gone dark… hopefully nothing too serious happened. Then I also inquired the man she fancied, he knows not where she is actually, just her general direction.
“It is just that Nyx hasn’t contacted me for months… I checked up on that young man, Młynar, and he said that she has gone off to Victoria, precisely on November last year… my last contact with her was also on November 28th…” I sighed wearily.
‘That daughter of mine. I can’t, for the life of me, understand why she does even need to be a mercenary any longer than this.’ Her adamant and steadfast nature reminds me of Aurelia too much… so much so that I feared she would suffer the same fate.
“Aunt Nyx must be really busy, being a mercenary must have been a hectic affair… did Aunty called up on you during New Year’s Eve?”
“She didn’t, which is why I’m worried that something had happened.” I looked back on Lina. The girl had matured splendidly and she towered over Nyx at 178 cm, 6 cm taller than Nyx but 8 cm shorter than me. Her hair had turned grey, snowy grey however, like Nyx did and after getting it checked, it is all natural.
She always don a veil and habit, akin to Lateran curia headpiece, these days. Saying that to avoid the prying eyes of newcomers who keep on courting her. Just like Nyx, she has been seen as everyone’s big sister and pretty much the current director of an Orphanage meant to shelter kids Nyx had freed from slavery.
The shy little girl, who looks downcast at first, has matured into a polyglot capable of speaking aristocratic Victorian, Old and New Siracusan, Laterano along with clerical hymn, Higashinese and Yannese, and on her way to learn Sami’s Rune script and Ursus’ Cyrillic script. She is one of the brightest pupil of mine, just what is with those close to Nyx to be all excellent?
“I don’t think that’s a problem. Ma- I-I mean, ahem, Aunty is a capable person, she should be fine.” She turned red from her lapse, Lina has been looking up to my daughter like her own mother. Honestly Nyx wouldn’t mind, if being called a grandma barely phased her, then being called mother shouldn’t either.
We just look outside in silence, the teas gone cold ages ago. We sat there in silence before my terminal rang, Lina fetch it for me and gasp. She turned her face towards mine and her delight and relief can be seen clearly from her smile.
“It’s Mam-, wait no! I mean aunty!” Despite being bright-faced, she is too giddy to break her strides.
“Really!?” She giddily answered first in my stead, and I don’t mind really.
“Aunty! Where have you been!? You haven’t contacted us for months…” I can hear Nyx chuckled from the other end of the line. She sounds a bit hoarse, but nothing else from the sound of it… hopefully.
[Yea, yea, sorry for that… How are you, Lina?]
“I’m fine here, but I did felt a bit exhausted watching over those energetic gremlins. How are you?”
[Good, just a tad worked up… Where is dad?]
“Teacher is listening with me, so you can go ahead!”
[I see… Well first and foremost, I’m really sorry for ghosting you guys. Work has been hectic, and I’m really still in the middle of work, just managed to finally get some free time.]
“… Are you alright?” Lina turned her face to me, she looks worried and I’m the same as her.
[Uh… yeah, yeah… just minor mishaps. Mercenary work was never easy.]
“Lina, ask her where she is currently.”
“Yes teach, um… Aunt Nyx, where are you right now? Teacher told me to ask you about it.”
[Me? I’m in Victoria right now, just chilling and waiting out till my contract end. How was Wladirosa by the way? I’ll bring back souvenir for the kids when I returned, and please tell them that I’m sorry for not sending them anything for New Year celebration.]
“Oh don’t worry about that, big sis Nelka had been filling in for that. The kids are still really disappointed however…” Lina sighed, most likely due to the incessant pleading she was bombarded with last year.
[I see, tell the kids I’ll bring them some Leithanian’ delicacies or even Siracusan’.]
“Huh? Where are you at really?”
[Along with some arts conduit and staffs because why not? Just a couple million won’t put a dent on my bank.]
“W-W-Wait! That’s too much! You don’t understand how the 5 million Hellers you gave me 2 years ago wa-”
[Oh? Was it insufficie-]
“Mama! Can you please listen!? … ah….” Hoho, she had finally done it.
[… Pfft… Hahahahahaha! You finally cracked! You think I don’t know? You can just ask really, I won’t mind adopting you.]
“Now you can call me grandpa.” I just smile at her while Lina’s cheeks burn even brighter. Then she indignantly glared at me, but honestly all I see is a pouting child. I can get used to this.
“Mrrrr…. You both are insufferable… I’ll go look after the kids by the prairie.” She just handed me the Terminal while she stormed out, brighter than an apple would ever be. Well… I got a grandchild now, life is good…
[Yeah sure, love you too!] She is still cackling on her end… before her laughter died down.
[… You there, dad? How are you by the way?]
“I am and I’m good but deathly worried because I have certain someone that seems to be too caught up with work and forgetting to call home.”
[Heh… what a shitty someone you have there.] We share a laugh before I ask her again.
“So what is it you need to tell me?”
[… I’m really sorry for being too focused on myself that I neglected communication, which was really selfish of me. Let’s just say that… The world is a big place, and I got knocked down by it.] I can feel a sort of apprehension but also fear from her tone; which mean she really did not want to tell what actually happened… Hah, I’ll need to give another stern talking to when she is home.
“As long as you’re safe and understand it, then I shall not be found wanting nor coercing you in any way… By the by, when will you return home?”
[I’m not sure… still have a bunch of works to do, but I did forwarded the Catastrophe Messenger application. Still pending on my status.]
“Hmm? Truly now? That’s good… It would be best for you to stop being a lone mercenary. You can’t handle everything on your own, so it makes me happy that you’re starting to stop being so reckless.”
[Heh, yeah… Something came up, I’ll contact you again later when I have time to. Must admit that I’m starting to get real annoyed with this job…]
“Very well, be careful now or you’ll get another sermon, young lady… scratch that, you already booked one.” I can hear her groaned from the other end.
[Of course, dad… love you.] She cut the line from her own end… hah, I really need to keep a better tabs on her. It is not good for my own heart otherwise, but I don’t want to cage her either…
“By the Law… what a conundrum…” It would be better if I find Lina, it won’t do to have my newly adopted grandchild sulked like that after all.
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author’s Note:
Yo there, this is me, myself, and I, the author who is malding and in pain.
More questions right? Same…
Nyx will go to Kazdel Briefly by the next chapter, she won’t linger too long but she will be back… will she meet us tho? Well, what do you think?
You might be wondering about how much blood a Terran has. I was about to use the standard 4-5 liters based on normal human, but then I remembered that they’re stronger and has better bodily constitution as a whole compared to normal human, so I bumped it up a notch and then some.
I really need someone who understand how human anatomy and physiology work to enlighten me…
BONUS: this is what Nyx mumbled during Kal’tsit monologue: “Did she just take a snide at American healthcare there?”
Update as usual, I’m tired as fuck… mentally tired mind you….
Ciao
"Mono/Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
Narration
[Message/communication apparatus]
Date: 10th January 1084
Location: County of Toron, Victoria
POV: Narrator
Kal’tsit is now watching a heart rate monitor while performing medical checks upon a certain ashen haired Pythian on a medical bed, the patient had done nary a movement other than her beating heart.
“How fare our fair maiden, Cleric? It has been 10 days after all. It was a horrifying misfortune to have seen her like that.” Naturally his and Thomson’s men were involved during the recovery process and keeping the situation under control.
“She is stable now, her skin had mostly reformed. The bleeding had stopped, and her complexion had turned for the better.”
“Glad to hear it, I’m still quite baffled with her situation back then.” Vincent can vividly recall her body which was bereft of skin.
“Hmm… can such a thing was truthfully caused by arts?” he wondered aloud, he is by no means an expert but no one said anything about needing to be one to speculate.
“Speculatively yes, Terra was never unacquainted with new excitement that is eager for attention. She has an astounding resilience and adaptability. I had checked upon her rotted flesh and found an intriguing insight, however I must sternly remind you that I shall not share anything regarding a patient current status.”
“That’s understandable, but… do we really need to conceal this fact from her father?” she said nothing but focusing on the periodic chart in hand. She did consider his words… it is just that…
‘Immanuel is old, too old in fact, even for his kin. Give him something like this and I’m afraid he will finally cracked under pressure… he still can’t, or most likely never will if I’m being honest, accepted the fact that Aurelia passed away with their stillborn twins. His face when he know it was one of suffocating emptiness.’ Thus she shift the topic elsewhere while fiddling with her pen.
“Had Arkell managed to be hale and hearty once more?”
“He had recovered most excellently, to think that the Duke of-”
“It would be prudent to halt where it is.”
“… Ahem, Arkell had said that he will be here by the next moon. Other than that, the County is quiet. Just as I always envisioned.”
“Toron will grow, how far it can grow is the question…”
“A small price, a small sacrifice, all for Toron’s satisfice, thus it will suffice.”
“Victorian cas-”
“*cough* *cough* *wheeze* *cough* *cough*!”
Nyx is suddenly coughing like mad. Her skin unraveled once more. Kal’tsit, without panicking, starts applying more medical aid. Vincent, despite his image, positioned himself close by and awaits her instruction raptly.
“Please bring me the arts suppressant along with the inflammation gels and bleeding medicine on the table to the left.”
“Of course.”
The Cleric is checking upon Nyx’s heart rate that has been jumping rapidly and inconsistently.
“How is her respiration?” Vincent then handed her the arts suppressant, already uncapped for injection.
“Sometimes it crash through the zenith, sometimes it also floated merely a hairbreadth away from its nadir. Stabilization is underway.”
“Judging by how much she convulsed, Nyx is suffering an immense duress.”
“Similar thoughts with mine, please fetch me another shot of anesthetics.”
“Will you require Ibuprofen or other painkillers too?”
“Not yet, but nothing is wrong with being cautious.”
The two of them worked tirelessly, with Kal’tsit handling most of the operational and Vincent organizing and fetching for necessary medication. The Feline Cleric had also taken a note on how Nyx’s muscle seems to being torn and reformed almost imperceptibly, completely alien in terms of how rapid it goes.
‘Interesting, her body is more than just a wealth of knowledge. It is a national treasure, all the more reason to keep a flexible view on her situation.’
Vincent then noticed a greenish liquid dripping down Grey Serpent’s mouth, but he reminded himself that the Cleric won’t answer him regarding the patient personal status. Kal’tsit scooped up a few dribbles of that greenish liquid in a vial for further research and analysis.
Naturally Vincent gave her a look.
“Fret not, I will wait until the consent was given. It won’t do for me to take advantage of her vulnerability.”
“Prudent, and quite effective.”
After several more injections, cleaning, and medical treatment, Nyx’s finally stabilized and her coughing had stopped. The Count finally breathed out in relief and exhaustion, he crumble on a nearby chair and cleaned up the sweats gathering upon his brows.
“Jolly, that was a workout. Praise be Arkell constant nagging for me to learn a smattering bit regarding medicines…”
“That was truly impressive, inexperienced but you definitely understood what needs to be done.”
“Coming from you, I’m honored to have such a priceless acknowledgment… then how long would it take for her to recover?”
“Her situation isn’t too dissimilar to what I had seen. Her recovery can range from few days until years. Hopefully it was the former, else everyone would start noticing her absence.”
“Well, is there anything else you wish to petition me?”
“At the moment I had more than satisfactory work flow being done, I thank you for your assistance.”
“Bah, I’m doing this because I wanted to and it is the more affable route to trudge upon. Now then, let me excuse myself, my wife would be tremendously cross with me if I fled from and dismissed my mountain of paperwork.”
“Once again thank you, and you know where to find me for a stiff shoulder’ medication.”
“Hah! I’ll gladly impose upon your offer.”
A significant amount of time later…
Location: Vincent’s Manor, County of Toron, Victoria
POV: Nyx
“Ugh… hell… fuck me… ” I groaned after my eyes open and look at unfamiliar ceiling… god, how long was I out? The last thing I recalled was fighting that eldritch jar called Emperor’s Blade… fuck, I got things ready except against potential horror from another dimension.
“Mind your language.” A female voice made me jump reflexively, fuck did I got captured!?
“!?” I immediately tried to jump out of the bed… only to stumble back with severe pain assailing my body…
“Ow! Fuck! mrrrhhh….!” Infusion needle, hearth monitor, feeding tubes, and a lot of things were yanked away, quite discomforting too but then again I was more shocked than pained.
“Easy there, you’re still in Toron.” Moving my gaze, I see Kal’tsit with some kind of papers in hand. She appears disinterested… if I disregard her apparent scowl…
“Ugh… how long was I out?” Kal’tsit is placing back all of my detached medical equipment to where it should be except for the feeding tubes. Then she answered my query.
“2 months, 1 week, 4 days, 11 hours, 52 minutes, and 15.57 seconds.” Ok that’s way too detailed…
“… Shit… anything else I should be aware of?” Should I be glad that the coma lasted only 2 months or lamenting the fact that my activity just goes blank for that long? Problems must have had happened…
“Mr. Thomson came for a visit exactly 22 days ago. Lord Count’s men and soldiers are on a state of high readiness regarding the incident, several reports of minor civil disruptions was also documented. Regarding your injury, your body had mostly recovered, but therapy is in order. Can you move your legs?”
I tried to move it and… nothing… damn it.
“Hah… so I’m stuck here huh? Till when? Can’t I just, you know, continue my treatment on the go? I can handle it…” I said when my hand is about to touch the infusion connected to me, only to get my hand slapped away by a less than pleased doctor. This woman seems like going to be a pain to deal…
“That would be doable but utterly unwise. Both your mind and body would needs to reacclimatize, proven by your less than responsive body. Which is why I must ask you for any potential discomforts, do you have any at the moment notice?”
“… Sure… Hmm, Well… I only feel a tad lightheaded, my muscles being stiff, my legs feels like bricks and… that’s it?”
“Within acceptable parameters so far… You left out the fact that you’re in pain just a moment before.”
“Well… that was more like um… how do I put it? Um… phantom pain reflex? If that makes sense…”
“Physical or mental trauma had affected you, are you willing to confide the cause?”
“Yea… I did recalled some unpleasant memories…” Technically not lying there.
“If it comes off as uncomfortable, we can postpone it upon a later date. Urgency must not disregard stability.”
“Right, also thank you for saving and taking care of me.” I bowed my head to her while still vividly recalling how she saved me from being dead, or worse, at the hand of Emperor’s Blade. There is also a matter about the eldritch entity…
‘Eldritch horrors usually end up as a type of hazard… best I keep mum about it… will she pursue though?’
“No need to mention it, I merely done what was necessary to help patients as per my occupation.” Kal’tsit then cleaned up the mess I had created, and handed me a health report to read.
“Saving lives should be our utmost priority, regardless of who you are.”
“Regarding the incident… guess there is only so much you can do alone…” I said while reading the health report given to me.
’17 times gone critical, skins melting, bleeding, vomiting blood, and lots of stuff…’ Skim reading it made me cringed a little.
“That’s true, but I must commend you for measuring up to an Emperor’s Blade it was no small feat after all. That is something you can be proud of, if nothing else.”
“Heh… the fact you can even save me from that monster of a man means you’re no slouch yourself.”
“Mm-hmm.” I can sense her feelings to be really… blasé? She is not as excited as the topic imply… who is this woman really? Also why didn’t she pursue the matter? I feel like missing something but…
‘I will not poke a hornet nest right by the front door. Best continued on where we left off…’
“Have you done the analysis or at least data sampling on my body then?”
“Other than just collecting your venom for later and comparing your rotting flesh differences, no I haven’t. I’m still awaiting for your consent.”
“Didn’t I insinuated said consent months ago?”
“You did, but your body was barely suitable for it supported by the fact that you’re in a coma. Thus my reluctance, and I hope you had comprehend that report very carefully.”
“Yeah I did… So, can you do it right here, right now, then?”
“You’re still unwell, it would be most prudent for us to postpone it. I can make some time in the future, and I would have preferred for neither of us to act rashly… but I suppose an exception can be made. Still are you sure about this? Be warned that I will stop the moment your body reacted negatively.” Then her gaze turn a tad apologetic.
“One last thing, I deeply apologize.” She bowed her head a little, naturally I’m confused as all hell.
“What for?”
“You know why.” My eyes widened in realization… before I just sighed wearily. So that’s why the Blade was there? Well, just my luck but there is no point of getting mad at her.
“… You’re quite calm regarding the incident.” Hah, she’s a tad surprised. I’m not the type of person who throw blame around…
“This and that is unrelated in my book so if you want to apologize go to Vincent. He is the master of the venue, I’m just a security detail. Sure you might have caused me to almost die, but it would be idiotic of me to fault you when the primary cause was it was my job first and foremost. Like, imagine a security that fault their employer’ guest because they are making their job harder? Sounds stupid to me.” I snort, more annoyed than anything.
“I should have been a better security detail, my rationality is that even when one of the guest was the sole target of a bunch of suicide bombers, my job still stands. Your problem and its complications was with my employer whom you deceived and nothing else needs to be said to me.” I just shrug since that’s what it is. You got paid to secure the venue, so you did what you’re paid for.
“I see, I shall do as you recommend me. Now then, are you ready?” Kal’tsit nodded lightly, but I managed to get a feel of Kal’tsit’ interest through her emotion, briefly of course.
POV: Kal’tsit
“Well, I’m the patient here, and I already imposed on you so go ahead.” Hmm… she refrained from commenting about the incident’ aftermath any further. Best shelve it for later.
“You’re surprisingly calm and understanding, unlike what rumors loved painting you as.”
“Poise and shit is important, but it is more important on how to utilize it…”
“By that logic, you have a really daring countenance. So much so that fighting an opponent stronger than you in a prolonged fashion was treated as mere misfortune?”
“Pfft… that hurt…”
“Would you prefer a much more acceptable wording then? I’m more than well-versed on the subject of psychological therapy and mental counseling.”
“Nah, you’re right… I never thought of myself as an invincible bitch… yet I got cocky subconsciously anyway…”
“Disregarding your less than ideal style of conversational decorum, again, what’s your aim from this? Surely sample extraction is a simple thing, no?”
“… An honest assessment and please start the damn surgery.”
“Make yourself comfortable, I shall apply anesthetics.”
“Never need it, just carved out my hand already, I can take it.”
“No can do, I’m medical professional and medical protocol exist for a reason.”
“Hah…”
After she made herself comfortable I injected the anesthetics. I proceed to layer out her soon to be exposed hand with a sterile veil and only then did the primary surgery starts. Instead of the usual recoil and fright from seeing such a gory view, she seems to be holding back a chuckle.
“Interesting isn’t it? I should at least be unnerved but meh…”
“Do not try to use an excuse of being barely feeling pain to mask your problematic tendency. Excess does not happen overnight, it was fed and left to fester as an unhealthy coping mechanism… but judging by your expression or lack thereof, you preferred pain to an unhealthy extent. I won’t judge your personal taste, but as a doctor I will enforce your upcoming health treatment plan.”
“…” Nyx looked away from me… hah, I must deal with a rather peculiar patient too…
“Do I make myself clear?”
“… I never had a problem with it…”
“It is not a matter of what never happened, it is pertaining what could potentially happen. Which is why I’ll need you to inform me for anything that can potentially improve your comfort be it physically or psychologically, and for some patients, spiritually.”
“Can I smoke then? It is an effective way to soothe me mentally.”
“No, I’ll add prohibition to any addictive substance, and it is non-negotiable. You will abstain from smoking for the next 6 months. I’ll also put on a restriction on which combat stimuli you can utilize, what sort of diet for a whole year, and how to manage yourself along with several health plans you can choose.”
“Welp, so much for that I guess… Carry on…”
She gave up trying to bargain her way in. Back to the surgery, her muscle density is truly abnormal, courtesy on my long experience to conclude that with a mere glance and memory matching, but I will need concrete evidence soon enough by way of laboratory examination. I briefly look back at her, her brows are furrowed ever so slightly.
“Something on your mind?”
“Well… just thinking what can be done better really…” her voice is thick with bitterness and shame.
“If it is what I think you’re alluding to, then it would be more beneficial for you of stopping there. You might be accepting with the idea of mental training and conditioning, but human psyche is not something to be trifled with.” I take an extra flesh tissue, a leftover one that got half-embedded, a flesh that had conjoined, and another one just for data back-up.
“A mere strings of words can be turned into suggestions, and suggestions can be turned into a subconscious reflex that is more hazardous than at first thought and dismissed. These suggestions created the basic foundation of human empathetic and sympathetic consciousness, it will mold how you react to certain name calling and labelling for example.” Checking her heart rate, it is stable so I see no reason not to continue, and then meld her flesh back without stitches to hold it.
“While it has benefits as a mean for self-introspection, overdoing it will cause the opposite with potential instability multiplying each time an incident occurred. I also must make a point that expensive medical examination doesn’t always equated as a surefire treatment, just politics seeping in shamelessly under the guise of expedited process.” Her flesh starts to close itself, her body regeneration is truly potent.
“…” She then mumbled something that sadly gone unreadable due to her lips being too obscured for me to read.
“Lady Nyx?”
“It’s nothing and first, just call me Nyx. I doubt a hunting dog like myself even qualify for that stuck-up courtesy in private. Then second… Do you ever, like, shut up?”
“Understood, I’ll address you as such, and for the latter it is imperative for me to get my intention and assessment across. It is important to ensure that a patient can understand their situation to avoid further complications.” I carefully put pressure on her hand, it is not unraveling, a green light for blood sampling.
“The smallest form of negligence, such as failing to inform the patient of their physical, psychological, and even religious state, can potentially implicate and encourage a festering for negative outcomes, amongst other more disastrous probabilities that would only bore you to no end.” While saying that, I watched on raptly how her blood vessels seems to subconsciously prepared itself… truly puzzling…
“A simple encouragement goes a long way in field of mental therapy or simple psychological assessment. To deny a human of simple endorphin injection, so to speak, can be hazardous on their psychological health upon further inspection and examination. Alternatively, it will be the highest form of offence when a doctor neglect their oath to ensure that their patients can be saved and guaranteed basic human dignity and suitable accommodations.” I cleaned up her arms with disinfectant and prepare a gauze for injection, blood extraction would require a sterile procedure.
“You’re a real motor mouth, yeah?”
“Just a side effect of lecture and… you’re surprisingly welcoming with meddlesome medical expert. I had envisioned you would be talking back at me a lot more frequently.” I stopped momentarily to check the syringes and blood bag, 5 pieces of 10ml syringes should do it along with 2 250 ml blood bags.
“I’m a hunting dog, not a rabid dog. Talking back too much against a medic rarely end well, I’ll still get annoyed but I know better than to dismiss expert’s words. I have some medical aptitude yeah, but compared to an expert will only make me look like an ass.” Nyx moved her gaze on the syringes and looks a tad puzzled.
“For your information, you have an interesting and priceless body. Your genetics would fetch hundreds of million at the barest minimum, if you so inclined.”
“Yeah no, would rather not be a lab rat…” Is there something wrong with the syringes? She keeps looking at it.
“I’m not one to talk ill regarding others, but you must tread lightly when dealing with Columbian.”
“Thanks for the heads up… hah… there goes the Land of the Free…” She broke her gaze and settled back on her medical pillow.
“Land of the Free is it? A fitting, point-of-view based, conjecture.”
“Mm-hm, so… How much longer?”
“After I take your blood sample for further analysis. Which would then take months, if not years of said analysis. Of course you can decline a thorough examination.” I inserted the first syringe, she doesn’t appears to have any fright with it… so why did she stared at it?
“I thought you would strong-arm me to hand you what you need? Especially with your buddy there while I’m still pretty much a potato.” First done, now the second syringe…
“To be positively objective, forcing my way will only result catastrophically, even when the outcomes proves beneficial for me. Besides, only a fool would harm you like that…”
“Thank god for my reputation, if nothing else…”
“Still, how come you’re fine with it? You can’t monitor what I do, for all I care I might jeopardize your privacy.” Second done, the third is on the way.
“I’m trying to make good on what dad told me those months or years ago to chill out a little, and I won’t bother hiding it. So please, go blame Vincent and amuse me.” Fourth not too long after
“The subject of human honesty is all a matter of perspective at best, you ought to be more careful.”
“I should indeed, thanks for the warning. How much blood would you need from me?” Last syringe of blood extraction…
“Depends on what is needed. Blood donor takes around 450-600 ml, blood transfusion can range up to 1200 ml for every transfusion, and there are more classifications that would takes time to explain. But since yours would be needed for research, it will take no more than 550 ml as you can observe from what I had prepared.” I stored all filled-up syringes inside a special suitcase.
“How much blood does an adult has again?”
“It was 6 – 8 liters for average Terran, Elder race usually have more and the Sarkaz are just complicated to explain due to their interconnected yet technically independent sub-races. Wendigos can have 20+ liters of blood in their body for example.” While observing the blood bag I can have a much clearer view on her blood.
‘Hmm…? It is thicker than usual and the viscosity is more akin to venom too? Just what is this woman really? I gained more questions than there are answers. Doesn’t help that the mysterious girl I seen briefly that fateful night flashed in my mind every now and then.’
After finishing up the first blood bag, I reorganized my thoughts on what can be observed empirically.
‘Retracing what I had gathered… She is reasonable and affable, but acutely desensitized. Her muscle and musculature is 5x thicker than that of an average Ursus, tentative estimation. Her blood vessels can react unconsciously and her venom is mixing with her blood. Lastly, her blood viscosity appears to be higher as well… Curious…’
“An interesting blood you have here, the possibility that it takes longer to analyze is high.”
“Take your time, wouldn’t want you to fuck up or getting an objective assessment that was shot to hell…”
“I’ll take your advice, amongst many others. This blood of yours is unique, but Terra always has its own set of unique individuals.”
“Well, as long as you don’t sell it to the black market, then I’m good…”
“… Your nonchalance puzzles me…”
“Are we done then?”
“As a matter of fact, yes.”
“So now I just turned into a potato yeah? Hah…”
“It can’t be helped. You need to rest, and I’ll be here for a while so don’t hesitate to reach out to me, however…” I lend Nyx her own Personal terminal. She got the gist of what needs to be done, but I can see sadness and shame settling in within her eyes.
“I’ll say this, you don’t need to be fully honest with him, but ensure and emphasize that he knows you’re alright. Immanuel is old, he would be beyond worried if he knows that you fought an Emperor’s Blade and almost end up home in a casket. Have a good rest.” With that I left the room.
Location: Wladirosa, Northern Kazimierz
POV: Immanuel
12 years had passed since Nyx arrived in Wladirosa and it has been 7 years since she left to explore the world. Then just 2-3 years passed since I met her in Victoria, looking so homesick and lonely… the last time I seen her was 11 months ago when I just have to congratulate her performance… then she vanished, not long after November last year… Just where are you?
“… What’s wrong, teach?” My worried face can be seen clearly by her. Well, I can’t help it really. Not to mention that my usual informant to keep track of her well-being had gone dark… hopefully nothing too serious happened. Then I also inquired the man she fancied, he knows not where she is actually, just her general direction.
“It is just that Nyx hasn’t contacted me for months… I checked up on that young man, Młynar, and he said that she has gone off to Victoria, precisely on November last year… my last contact with her was also on November 28th…” I sighed wearily.
‘That daughter of mine. I can’t, for the life of me, understand why she does even need to be a mercenary any longer than this.’ Her adamant and steadfast nature reminds me of Aurelia too much… so much so that I feared she would suffer the same fate.
“Aunt Nyx must be really busy, being a mercenary must have been a hectic affair… did Aunty called up on you during New Year’s Eve?”
“She didn’t, which is why I’m worried that something had happened.” I looked back on Lina. The girl had matured splendidly and she towered over Nyx at 178 cm, 6 cm taller than Nyx but 8 cm shorter than me. Her hair had turned grey, snowy grey however, like Nyx did and after getting it checked, it is all natural.
She always don a veil and habit, akin to Lateran curia headpiece, these days. Saying that to avoid the prying eyes of newcomers who keep on courting her. Just like Nyx, she has been seen as everyone’s big sister and pretty much the current director of an Orphanage meant to shelter kids Nyx had freed from slavery.
The shy little girl, who looks downcast at first, has matured into a polyglot capable of speaking aristocratic Victorian, Old and New Siracusan, Laterano along with clerical hymn, Higashinese and Yannese, and on her way to learn Sami’s Rune script and Ursus’ Cyrillic script. She is one of the brightest pupil of mine, just what is with those close to Nyx to be all excellent?
“I don’t think that’s a problem. Ma- I-I mean, ahem, Aunty is a capable person, she should be fine.” She turned red from her lapse, Lina has been looking up to my daughter like her own mother. Honestly Nyx wouldn’t mind, if being called a grandma barely phased her, then being called mother shouldn’t either.
We just look outside in silence, the teas gone cold ages ago. We sat there in silence before my terminal rang, Lina fetch it for me and gasp. She turned her face towards mine and her delight and relief can be seen clearly from her smile.
“It’s Mam-, wait no! I mean aunty!” Despite being bright-faced, she is too giddy to break her strides.
“Really!?” She giddily answered first in my stead, and I don’t mind really.
“Aunty! Where have you been!? You haven’t contacted us for months…” I can hear Nyx chuckled from the other end of the line. She sounds a bit hoarse, but nothing else from the sound of it… hopefully.
[Yea, yea, sorry for that… How are you, Lina?]
“I’m fine here, but I did felt a bit exhausted watching over those energetic gremlins. How are you?”
[Good, just a tad worked up… Where is dad?]
“Teacher is listening with me, so you can go ahead!”
[I see… Well first and foremost, I’m really sorry for ghosting you guys. Work has been hectic, and I’m really still in the middle of work, just managed to finally get some free time.]
“… Are you alright?” Lina turned her face to me, she looks worried and I’m the same as her.
[Uh… yeah, yeah… just minor mishaps. Mercenary work was never easy.]
“Lina, ask her where she is currently.”
“Yes teach, um… Aunt Nyx, where are you right now? Teacher told me to ask you about it.”
[Me? I’m in Victoria right now, just chilling and waiting out till my contract end. How was Wladirosa by the way? I’ll bring back souvenir for the kids when I returned, and please tell them that I’m sorry for not sending them anything for New Year celebration.]
“Oh don’t worry about that, big sis Nelka had been filling in for that. The kids are still really disappointed however…” Lina sighed, most likely due to the incessant pleading she was bombarded with last year.
[I see, tell the kids I’ll bring them some Leithanian’ delicacies or even Siracusan’.]
“Huh? Where are you at really?”
[Along with some arts conduit and staffs because why not? Just a couple million won’t put a dent on my bank.]
“W-W-Wait! That’s too much! You don’t understand how the 5 million Hellers you gave me 2 years ago wa-”
[Oh? Was it insufficie-]
“Mama! Can you please listen!? … ah….” Hoho, she had finally done it.
[… Pfft… Hahahahahaha! You finally cracked! You think I don’t know? You can just ask really, I won’t mind adopting you.]
“Now you can call me grandpa.” I just smile at her while Lina’s cheeks burn even brighter. Then she indignantly glared at me, but honestly all I see is a pouting child. I can get used to this.
“Mrrrr…. You both are insufferable… I’ll go look after the kids by the prairie.” She just handed me the Terminal while she stormed out, brighter than an apple would ever be. Well… I got a grandchild now, life is good…
[Yeah sure, love you too!] She is still cackling on her end… before her laughter died down.
[… You there, dad? How are you by the way?]
“I am and I’m good but deathly worried because I have certain someone that seems to be too caught up with work and forgetting to call home.”
[Heh… what a shitty someone you have there.] We share a laugh before I ask her again.
“So what is it you need to tell me?”
[… I’m really sorry for being too focused on myself that I neglected communication, which was really selfish of me. Let’s just say that… The world is a big place, and I got knocked down by it.] I can feel a sort of apprehension but also fear from her tone; which mean she really did not want to tell what actually happened… Hah, I’ll need to give another stern talking to when she is home.
“As long as you’re safe and understand it, then I shall not be found wanting nor coercing you in any way… By the by, when will you return home?”
[I’m not sure… still have a bunch of works to do, but I did forwarded the Catastrophe Messenger application. Still pending on my status.]
“Hmm? Truly now? That’s good… It would be best for you to stop being a lone mercenary. You can’t handle everything on your own, so it makes me happy that you’re starting to stop being so reckless.”
[Heh, yeah… Something came up, I’ll contact you again later when I have time to. Must admit that I’m starting to get real annoyed with this job…]
“Very well, be careful now or you’ll get another sermon, young lady… scratch that, you already booked one.” I can hear her groaned from the other end.
[Of course, dad… love you.] She cut the line from her own end… hah, I really need to keep a better tabs on her. It is not good for my own heart otherwise, but I don’t want to cage her either…
“By the Law… what a conundrum…” It would be better if I find Lina, it won’t do to have my newly adopted grandchild sulked like that after all.
[END OF CHAPTER]
Author’s Note:
Yo there, this is me, myself, and I, the author who is malding and in pain.
More questions right? Same…
Nyx will go to Kazdel Briefly by the next chapter, she won’t linger too long but she will be back… will she meet us tho? Well, what do you think?
You might be wondering about how much blood a Terran has. I was about to use the standard 4-5 liters based on normal human, but then I remembered that they’re stronger and has better bodily constitution as a whole compared to normal human, so I bumped it up a notch and then some.
I really need someone who understand how human anatomy and physiology work to enlighten me…
BONUS: this is what Nyx mumbled during Kal’tsit monologue: “Did she just take a snide at American healthcare there?”
Update as usual, I’m tired as fuck… mentally tired mind you….
Ciao
