Lissa stumbled into her room, falling harshly into the door. Her head throbbed, and the world tilted. When the airship had started lifting off, the thrumming from the crystals seemed to affect her balance terribly. “Woah, easy there. Want me to get Mera or Mela?” Almios asked Lissa while holding her up. She didn’t notice, but she was tipped precariously close to falling over.

“Maybe? Yes? I don’t know. My head just feels terrible. I am nauseous, and it feels like I am on a ship caught in a storm,” Lissa held her head while the room felt like it spun around her. “Well, you are on a ship, but we aren’t on a storm. Let me at least get you to the bed first, so if you fall, you fall on something soft. Then I will get something to help,” Almios said while guiding Lissa to the bed. Lissa thought she had set herself onto it gently, but the pain in her tail told her otherwise. She hissed in pain while moving it out from under her. “Ouch, you alright?” Almios asked while putting a hand on Lissa’s shoulder.

“Fine for the moment. Can you get me a big dose of that concoction that they made?” Lissa asked while slowly turning her neck to look at him. She nearly vomited as the world spun even worse. “Of course, now why don’t you lay down. You look like death right now,” Almios said while gently pushing Lissa back. “Can I get a bucket?” Lissa asked pathetically while she felt warmth flooding into her mouth. Lissa didn’t see Almios’ look of panic as he scanned the room frantically. She did hear a sigh of relief and something being lifted off the floor. Lissa closed her eyes, trying to force the vomit down.

As her efforts failed, she felt something cold and wooden thrust into her open arm. Bending over, Lissa wretched and began emptying her stomach into the container. She felt Almios grab stray hands of hair with one hand and brought them behind her head. His other hand slowly rubbed her back.

Lissa doubled over her stomach and abdomen, spasming with effort. She was thankful Almios didn’t say anything while she was like this. Lissa knew she was spent with one final spit and gasped for breath after taking her head out of what she knew was a bucket now. “I will dump this out,” Almios gingerly took the bucket from her grip, “Now lay down until I get back alright.”

Lissa nodded slowly and laid back onto the bed, curling into a fetal position. Taking slow deep breaths, Lissa looked into one corner of the room. Strangely it made the spinning much less intense.

Almios stood from the bed slowly and walked out the door. He closed it quietly behind him. Lissa let her mind wander as much as it could while waiting. Was it true that an outbreak was raging through the capital? How many people have been lost already, and are any of them people she knew? Those questions and more ran through her mind before something dawned on her. Why didn’t those questions hurt, but the other ones did? What was the extent of her… Lissa’s thoughts never finished as a blade of pain blossomed at the base of her neck.

Maybe testing the limits wasn’t a good idea in this situation. Lissa felt her stomach spasming again as the pain caused her vision to blur and the spinning to worsen. Pulling herself over the edge of the bed just in time, she wretched again. At first, it was just spittle, but soon enough, the burning pain of stomach acid greeted her. Lissa used all of her strength to make sure the vomit hit the floor and not the bed itself or its sheets.

Again with a gasp, Lissa took a deep breath and put herself back onto the bed, moaning. She grabbed the pillow that was above her head and pulled it up and over to hold it. Lissa was glad the pillow hadn’t snagged on anything as she pulled it tightly to her. She didn’t ask herself any more questions and simply stared at the corner, silently berating herself for the mess she couldn’t clean. Lissa barely noticed as the door creaked open, and someone let out a defeated sigh.

“Overworked yourself, didn’t you?” Almios stepped in, careful not to step in the vomit. “Glad I brought back another bucket and things to clean with. Are you going to be alright while I deal with this?” Lissa gazed at him unblinking, completely unwilling to move. “I will take that as a yes,” Almios set down one of the buckets on the table along with a half loaf of bread and two flasks.

Lissa watched Almios work to clean up the mess she made and smiled. “Reminds me of our first assignment, you know,” She said while the smile faded away. Almios snorted, “Ah yes, the memories are flooding back to me now.” He turned and smirked, “You incapacitated because of some bad fish and no one else wanting to come near you.” Lissa saw something cross Almios’ face before it quickly disappeared. “You can ask about it if you want,” She said, knowing he was curious about what she experienced.

“Only if you want to,” Almios replied while half-heartedly returning to cleaning. “Mera will blab soon enough for everyone else to find out, but I may as well tell you,” Lissa took a deep breath before telling Almios. Again that not right feeling stopped her from telling him everything, but he listened, nonetheless finishing the cleanup before she finished speaking. Almios looked at Lissa. She knew what he wanted to do, “Come here.” Stretching her arms wide enough so Almios could hug her without much effort, she accepted the embrace.

“Do you think she had the same choice?” He whispered into her ear. Lissa bit her lip and held him a bit tighter, “I don’t know, but you can’t hold it against her if she did.” Almios returned the tightening hug, and they stayed like this for a long moment. Each comforting the other. Lissa had to end the embrace soon enough as the world shifted around her. “Almios, can you get me that concoction now, please?” She wanted to close her eyes against the spinning world but knew it would only make it worse.

“Of course,” Still keeping one arm holding her, Almios reached behind him, grabbing the flask. He opened it with one hand and sniffed. Lissa giggled as he made a face, “Gods, that smell is awful. I am glad I brought the bread now.” Lissa nodded in agreement and was momentarily shocked as she slowly sat up, “I could have done that, you know.” Almios shrugged while Lissa grabbed the flask from his free hand. “You could have, but I don’t want you trying to hold yourself up, eat and drink this at the same time.”

Lissa rolled her eyes but couldn’t find any counter to his argument. Taking a deep breath, she drank from the flask. It still tasted terrible, and she shuddered as she swallowed. “Blegh,” Lissa practically threw the flask back into Almios’ grip. “Alright, now bread and a bit of water,” Almios placed the flask back on the table and grabbed the bread and water.

Alternating between mouthfuls of water and bread, Lissa soon had a full stomach once again. “Thank you, Almios. I appreciate all of this,” Lissa said after Almios returned the now empty water flask to the desk. He shrugged, “My sisters would kill me if I didn’t help a woman that needed it.”

“When was the last time you saw them?” Lissa asked, even though she could guess the answer. “In person? When she died,” Almios looked down and away from her, “I said some things I shouldn’t have, but every time I want to write, something comes up.”

“It certainly seems that way,” Lissa commented. Her mind wandering back towards Maggie and…. She stopped her train of thought before it went too far and looked at Almios. “Has anyone talked to the Captain about how long it will take us to get back to the Capital and the Academy?” Almios looked thoughtful for a moment and then shrugged, “I am not sure. I can go ask him if you want?” Lissa nodded while yawning, the fog slowly encroaching on her mind, “If you wouldn’t mind. Right now, I am going to sleep and hope I feel better tomorrow.” Almios helped Lissa lower herself back to the bed. Lissa felt the world slowing down around her. The fog grew ever thicker, and Lissa didn’t comprehend Almios’ reply. As he left, she saw him turn to look at her one more time. Over his shoulders, a pair of golden eyes saw her and smiled.

================================================================

Lissa woke up to cold water being thrown on her. “Wake up, Callista, we must speak,” The same voice from the same man as before stood a few meters from Lissa. She was no longer in her cabin but what seemed to be a common room. Quickly regaining her senses, Lissa lunged for the man hoping to put her hands around his neck. His golden eyes flashed, and she froze in place her face, the only thing capable of movement.

“You bastard! What did you do to me!” Lissa growled out. She glared at the smug man less than a meter away now. “I did nothing for you petulant child but ensure your survival,” He stalked closer. His eyes seemed to take in every detail.

“Your healers are quite skilled. If I didn’t know any better, I would say you never nearly died,” He said with a self-satisfied grin. Stopping short of arms reach, he gently touched Lissa’s face. She wanted to flinch away or bite his hand, but her movements became even more restricted at that moment.

“You are a fighter and survivor,” He shook his head, the golden eyes closing for just a brief moment. At that moment, Lissa pounced, the invisible restraints fading. Her left hand grabbed his arm and began to pull him closer. His eyes opened with a flash, and she was as still as a statue again. “Your reflexes are sharp as well. But not sharp enough Callista,” He came closer. His face changed before Lissa’s eyes.

Skin sloughed off, and reformed cheekbones became sharp and deadly. A bony plate burst from his skin just below his hairline and swept back across his skull.

Lissa grew pale. In front of her stood a demon. His golden eyes bore into her very soul as he spoke, “I have had many things more dangerous than you try to harm me, Callista. I applaud the effort, but now you must listen!” Lissa’s mind swam as visions of horrors assaulted her senses. Screams of the dying, the smell of rot and blood, maddening sights. Abruptly they stopped, and with them, the binds holding her in place vanished.

Lissa collapsed to the floor. She looked up at the now non-demonic man who stood before her. His eyes met hers, and he smiled, “You didn’t break. That is good.” Lissa slowly got to her feet and, after working her jaw spit on the man. It landed squarely on his cheek, and he wiped it off without a care. “I expected as much, which is why I chose you,” He walked around her slowly though staying out of arm's reach. “You have a fire in you, justice some would say, others revenge.” Lissa sent her tail out in front of him, hoping to trip him.

He simply jumped over the offending appendage. “You are clever, stubborn,” He stopped to Lissa’s right and turned his head to look at her, “And most importantly, realizing some things don’t make sense.” Lissa looked confused for a moment before realizing what he was insinuating. She had no time to stop her thoughts from going to what Maggie had said. “That I was changed?” She braced for the pain, but none came.

“I am not a monster, Callista. You can think and speak freely here. Neither pain nor death will find you here,” He smirked, and a cold shiver ran down Lissa’s spine. “Unless I will it, of course,” With those words, pain exploded from the base of Lissa’s neck for a brief moment. The pain disappeared just as quickly, but still, it made Lissa stumble forward a few steps before catching herself.

Lissa turned to face her tormentor with a murderous glare. “What do you want from me!?! Why am I even here!?! And who even are you to do this to me!?!” She slowly walked towards him, preparing to be stopped at any step. To her surprise, she wasn’t arrested and stabbed a finger into his chest. “I have done nothing to you! Or even for you! So why did you have me attacked in the bathhouse? Why did you stab your arm into my chest in that inn!?!”

Lissa expected him to do something while she spoke and practically spat on him, but nothing happened. “Answer me, damn it!” She screamed while throwing a punch to his face. The blow connected, and it was like punching a stone. Pain shot through Lissa’s fist and arm as she withdrew it back to herself, “Fuck!” Breathing heavily, she looked at the man bitterly. The only difference was one eyebrow was raised. “Are you done?” He asked, somewhat unsure of the answer.

Lissa moved her fingers, making sure nothing was broken in the hand that had punched him. Nothing was broken, but it hurt as if it were. “For the moment. Are you going to answer my questions?” The pain disappeared from Lissa’s hand as the man walked towards an empty table.

“Come and sit,” He said while walking around and sitting on the opposite side. Lissa sat crossing her arms while her tail twitched in agitation, “Well?” The man across from her sighed and muttered something she couldn’t quite make out before looking at her. “I am simply trying to fix a mistake I made long ago, Callista. And I need you to help me fix it,” He looked away from Lissa for a moment. “I won’t lie, you are not the first one I have ‘recruited’ to assist me, but I do believe you are the most likely candidate to succeed thus far.” He turned back to look at her.

“What you experienced earlier were some of the memories and feelings of my past attempts. Consider it an appetizer as you will more than likely be going experiencing the same if not worse soon enough,” He reached a hand across the table to touch Lissa’s. She moved her hand away. He didn’t look surprised at that reaction and continued, “My apologies now for what has been done to you and will be done are.” He appeared to struggle for a moment before speaking again, “Insufficient, to say the least.”

Lissa scoffed, “You expect me to believe a word you are saying?” He shrugged, “No, I just expect you to listen. Though as proof of my words, do you know that rage that has overcome you at times? Where you were fully intent on killing whoever you were facing, painfully?” Lissa frowned and locked eyes with the man, “Yes, I do. Is that your doing?”

“In a way, yes, I was attempting to undermine what has been done to you. As well as give you an,” He looked thoughtful for a moment, “Edge is the best word.” Lissa snorted, “So how long have you been toying with me?”

“Toying isn’t the right word. I have been observing you for some time. Only recently have I decided to begin actively participating in your affairs,” He stared back at her, “Does that answer your question?” Lissa scowled, “Partially, though, I would like to know your name, so I can at least curse it later.”

The man was expressionless for a moment before a small chuckle escaped his lips, and he smiled, “I am going to enjoy your company Callista.” Lissa shook her head. The man extended a hand slowly to Lissa, “You can call me Inalize.” Lissa looked to Inalize’s offered hand, “Do you really expect me to shake hands with you?”

Inalize smiled, “If you want to get back to your actual dreams, yes.” Lissa looked around at the empty common room and saw no way out of the room itself. Reluctantly she shook his hand, a chill running up her spine as their skin touched. “As a gesture of goodwill, do you want to see what is happening at your destination?” Inalize said while his eyes flashed for a moment.

“You can do that?” Lissa was only slightly skeptical that he could do what he said. “My gaze is not without its limits, but yes I can,” Inalize furrowed his brow, “Though if you do speak of it to your friends, you can not mention in any way that I was involved.”

Lissa shook her head and let a small smile show, “Like they would even believe me if I did. But yes, show me if you can.” Inalize nodded while his eyes closed. The room around Lissa evaporated slowly until she was somehow sitting in a void. The only light was the faint glow from Inalize’s closed eyes. “What you are about to see can not harm you, so do not be afraid,” He said while opening his eyes slowly and looking at her. Lissa laughed, “What could possibly….”

Before Lissa could finish, the void lit up around her. Dozens of meters beneath her, she saw a burning city. She could hear the sound of fighting and see in the streets below a group of guards with their positions being overrun. A roar tore her gaze upwards, and she saw a wyvern and its rider coming at her. Reflexively she attempted to dodge out of the way but was firmly held in place. Closing her eyes to brace for the impact as the beast drew closer. Nothing happened as she heard the rush of air pass by her. Opening her eyes, she saw the Wyvern floating an arm’s length away. It's beating wings going through her.

“You should have heeded my words. We are not truly there,” Inalize said derisively. “How do you expect someone to feel seeing a wyvern coming at them! Relaxed? Carefree?” Lissa scowled at him. “When they have been reassured that nothing could harm them, yes, they should be,” Inalize said while gazing around. Lissa saw his lips move as he muttered something. Though whatever was said was drowned out a heartbeat later. The Wyvern roared and opened its jaws. Torrents of flame poured from its mouth, falling onto the roadway and buildings below.

The flames continued to fall and drenched the people below. Screams of pain and anguish reached her ears, and she turned to look at the wyvern at its rider. “Good girl,” They shouted over the roaring flames while patting its flank. Lissa heard the cold detachment in their voice and shuddered. “Interesting choice of puppet,” She heard Inalize say before a wooden pillar flew through Lissa and impaled the Wyvern in the chest.

The flames faltered, and a loud gurgle came from the beast while its rider’s futile attempts to pull the reins did nothing. The wyvern fell from the sky much quicker than Lissa thought and toppled a small building in its wake. Turning to try and see what killed the Wyvern, she only saw a small, gloomed girl standing on a rooftop alongside a gloomed man whose face was hidden in shadow.

The girl’s glowing bright red eyes seemed to bore into Lissa. The girl’s entire right side was a bloody mess. Torn flesh, muscle, and broken bone hung freely from her small frame. She didn’t seem to notice or care. Lissa soon realized why, before her eyes, the girl's injuries were healing. Shattered bone knitting together with muscle and flesh. “What in the hells is she?” Lissa asked while turning to look at Inalize.

He appeared to contemplate a moment before answering, “That is a puppet being controlled and powered by my mistake.” Lissa blinked, “What?” Inalize looked at her and closed his eyes, the burning city disappearing abruptly, replaced by the void. “I can not show you anymore, Callista, without tipping my hand,” He apologized while the common room came into existence once more.

“Can you at least explain what is going on? Who was that little girl? How could she have thrown a wooden pillar like that to hurt a Wyvern?” Lissa stood and loomed over the table. Inalize glared at her with enough anger in his gaze to silence her quickly.

“Events and things I could not anticipate are happening now, Callista. Right now, I need you to prepare to fight people you may have known and brace yourself to kill that little girl,” Lissa blinked at his words. “Why? Why that little girl specifically?” She asked those tainted by the Gloom needed to die yes, but why this one specifically out of thousands. “Because if they succeed in their mission, you will lose everything you hold dear.”

Lissa blinked and then laughed. How could one little girl, even if gloomed, do that? It was preposterous, impossible, but Inalize’s face told her otherwise. His expression was grim, and he eyed her thoughtfully. “You are weak, unprepared for this coming encounter,” He said while a tiny speck of gold light manifested between them. “This will heal you fully tonight and allow you to regain your strength. Your already enhanced body will need a few hours to adjust accordingly, though you may experience some,” Inalize looked away for a moment, searching for something. “Discomfort, and minor changes.”

“Minor changes? What do you mean?” Lissa leaned forward slightly to look at Inalize better as well as the speck. “Nothing noticeable, but certain things that were done to you shall no longer affect you, and your already prodigious physical traits will be enhanced,” Inalize’s reply caused Lissa to blink. “Do you mean I won’t experience the pain when my thoughts wander?” Lissa touched the base of her neck. Thinking about what Maggie said. When had this been done to her, and why? “Not immediately, but you will notice the pain lessen to a manageable degree. Again none of this will be immediate,” Inalize watched Lissa inspect the speck as he spoke. The dot drew closer to him.

“Callista Narto, I do not do this freely. I require a pact be made before I can give this to you. Do you accept?” Lissa looked to Inalize and blinked, “No, why would I accept this? Even if it was from someone I trusted, and I don’t trust you, I would still need to know the catch.” Inalize smiled wickedly, “I am glad you aren’t as witless as some others I have met.”

Inalize set his hands down on the table, palms up and open, “You will not be a puppet, like that child.” One finger touched his palm. “I will not be able to influence you in any way outside of conversations in spaces like this one. You can dismiss my presence at any time from this point forward unless the circumstances force me to do otherwise.” He eyed her mischievously, “I will no longer test you in these realms without your consent. You will heal faster, and most importantly, be immune to the ‘Gloom’ while our pact is in place.”

Lissa nodded along, liking the terms thus far, but her thoughts quickly were wiped away with the last statement. “What! That’s impossible!” She slammed her hands on the table and stood. This went against everything she knew and was taught. It was impossible as far as anyone knew to be utterly immune to the Gloom. “For you, and your kind it may be. But I am not like you and can do just that,” Inalize smiled while the speck drifted closer.

Lissa gazed at it, lost in thought. With this, she could do amazing things. Lissa could think about her family again without pain. Investigate what had been done to her and the others, why it had been done to them. “Do you accept and seal our pact?” Inalize asked again while the speck drifted above Lissa’s right hand. Looking to Inalize and then the dot, she grabbed it with her other hand, “Yes, I do.”