Drones: Episode 18: Wisps Trial: Slaughtered

Warning: This story series may contain content intended for mature
readers 18 & up only. If you are under the age of 18, please come back
when youre 18 or older to continue reading this Thank you. Owo
Written by: Eric Daniel De Loor
Nalla slept restlessly as she tossed & turned in the empty bed that she was so used
to sleeping with Ripp in, while her spirit watched over her. Even the music that used
to keep her calm & helped her sleep was not helping at all.

Nalla slowly woke up as she sat up, drenched in sweat. Morning Natallia Her
spirit greeted her. How long have you been watching meNicky? Nalla asked
as she took off her headphones. Long enough to know you didnt have a very
pleasant sleep She answered. I didnt think that my sleep would be effected
like this by Ripp switching rooms She noted as she hung her head. What is
worrying me is that there are still three days left If you dont sleep well Your
performance in the coming trials may suffer Or worse Nicky sighed.

You mean death from sleep deprivation? No I doubt that will happen Im not
called the Brawler of Riins team for nothing, you know Nalla reminded her.
For someone who bears that title You sure have changed since meeting Ripp You
seem to have grown dependant on him Nicky pointed out. His presence
shouldnt have affected me this much, though Why is it that I cant seem to live
the way I did before he & I were connected? Nalla asked as she pondered her
current situation.

Perhaps one of the other drone spirits who knows more about the process can help
shed some light on this new development? Nicky suggested. Its worth looking
into Lets go eat, then we can go ask some of the other members spirits See if
they might be able to help. Nalla agreed as she got up & got dressed.

And not a word of this to Ripp or Kari I dont want them worrying Nalla
instructed as she put her head set around her neck. Shouldnt they be informed
of this? What happens if your life is endangered by this? Nicky argued, obviously
concerned for her partner. Not even then If I die Then Kari can have Ripp But
until this deal ends, not a word. Is that clear? She asked. Yes Natallia Nicky
replied. And please stop calling me by my full name I prefer Nalla & you know
that. She remarked. Very well Nalla Nicky responded as she followed Nalla
out of the room.

As they walked down the hall, Nalla began feeling light-headed. Quickly realizing
what was about to happen she stopped & turned to Nicky. Nicky Go get
Help! She warned before blacking out & falling to the ground. Nicky panicked &
began quickly phasing through multiple walls, searching for a room with someone,
anyone, who could help, in it. Well, Nicky You wouldnt be looking for help by any
chance Would you? Cameron asked as he materialized beside her.

Cameron! Quick! Nalla has- Nicky cried only to be cut off. Collapsed mysteriously,
& asked you to search for help, causing you to fly through rooms in a panic in order
to fulfill her request as soon as possible before she is found or before her condition
worsens? He continued, leaving Nicky dumbfounded. Axis told me to expect
this Let us go get her, she can be treated back in my room. He offered as he left
the room with Nicky & Axis following behind.

When they arrived Nicky was shocked to see an unknown individual inspecting
Nalla. HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOURE DOING?! Nicky yelled at the intruder.
Cameron raised a hand. Youre looking for Kari, right? If youll kindly follow me, Ill
help you with locating her He exclaimed as he walked over & picked up Nalla,
motioning to the stranger to follow. The stranger followed silently as Nicky glared at
him suspiciously the entire way to Camerons room.

Cameron entered a few keys into a key-pad by a door, which then slid open. He
proceeded inside with Nicky, Axis, & the stranger following closely. He gently placed
Nalla on the only bed that was in the room.

Now Lower your hood, Night, I dont like talking to you with it up. Cameron
stated loudly. You must be the one that Psyker told me to consult The stranger
responded as he lowered his hood. The man underneath the cloak bore vibrant
purple hair with icy blue streaks while his eyes were light green. Indeed. But
enough about that, Kari can be found in the lower levels where most of the plantoriented rooms & suits are located. Youll need this if you wish to seek an audience
with her. Cameron replied as he threw a key card at Night, who caught it
reflexively. That key card will get you to her rooms front door Getting past there,
is your problem to solve. He instructed.

Who or what is this guy, Cameron? Nicky asked suspiciously. Hes one of Psykers
men. You remember that Psyker said he had a few he hadnt introduced? Well Night,
here, is just one of those many unintroduced members. Cameron explained as he
went back to inspecting Nalla.

 SoWill Kari fall for me eventually, or am I wasting my time here? He asked

curiously. That is for you to discover, only time will tell, but remember Im
Cameron, not Time. You will get no answers to your questions out of me. He replied
to Night. So where is she right now? Night asked as he raised an eye brow.

In the cafeteria with Ripp right now, you can easily use your drone powers to go
there & follow her until a proper time to introduce yourself presents itself. Just make
sure Ripp is not within hearing distance. If he hears her scream at all, he will be on
top of you with in two seconds. I trust Psyker told you about him at least to some
degree? Cameron inquired curiously.

Yea He has power over portals & teleportation He also one of the people I was
told to avoid at all costs. He replied Good. Here, this map will help you find your
way around here. This place is easy for visitors to get lost in. It took me a whole
week to learn my own way around it. He admitted as he handed Night a map.
Thanks I guess Ill see you later Oh, & Cameron? He called from the doorway.
Yes, Night? Cameron replied. Never mind Its nothing He exclaimed as he
walked out of the room.

Cameron How do you know that guy? I get the feeling theres something youre
hiding from all of us Nicky admitted suspiciously. Im not hiding anything
Anyways, Im almost done my analysis & there! Done! I restored some of her
energy too. Though its only a temporary fix to the problem. He exclaimed as he
leaned back. Slowly Nalla opened up her eyes wearily. Morning there, buttercup.
He greeted her as she glanced up at him. Where am I? She asked as she
struggled to get up, only to fall back down, unable to muster the energy.

You are in my room Youre going through a certain kind of withdrawal He

answered. What do you mean? Nicky asked as she floated over to the two. Not
many know about this But when two people that are bound by the drones chokers
are with each other for a certain period of time, their bodys molecular structure
changes Their bodies become dependent on each other other. If they arent within
a specific range for a specific amount of time, their bodies begin to shut down.
Cameron explained.

You mean Ill die without Ripp nearby? Nalla asked softly, her eyes slowly
closing as her energy started dipping again. Thats correct He replied as he
rummaged around in a nearby drawer. Fetching a lollipop he handed it to her. I
believe your favorite flavour is Fruit Burst? He asked as she struggled to unwrap it.
Nalla nodded as he helped her with unwrapping it.

Well, I have good news Before today ends, Kari will let Ripp go. Psyker has helped
see to that outcome Speaking of Psyker Mind coming out of hiding? He
announced loudly. Psyker emerged from the hallway. Hiding from you truly is an
impossible endeavour Psyker remarked as he joined them by the bedside.

I wish all the others realized that They all keep forgetting just what Im capable
of Cameron admitted. Give it time They will learn to adjust. Psyker replied
with a chuckle. What Is going On? Nalla asked, struggling to stay awake &
alive. Dont worry about that, just conserve your energy. Psyker, we cant wait
any longer If she isnt exposed to Ripp within the hour, shell die I need you to
go fetch him now! Cameron alerted him.

Psyker nodded & left the room & headed for the cafeteria. As he neared the entry
way he could hear Nights thoughts from nearby. Psyker quickly entered the
cafeteria & spotted Ripp & Kari. He approached the two. Sorry to intrude, but
Ripp Theres an emergency with which we require your assistance He
announced as the two glanced up. Alright Lead the way. He replied. Ill come
too! Kari chimed. Actually, it would be best if it was just Ripp. He replied. Kari
frowned but nodded. With that, Psyker led Ripp back towards Camerons room, fully
aware that Night was going to take advantage of Ripps absence.

Psyker led Ripp back to Camerons room. Alright, Cameron Ive brought him as
you requested. He announced as they entered the room. Just in time Ripp, Im
afraid I need you to stay with Nalla for a while until she recovers from this He
instructed as he leaned back, revealing Nalla on the bed.

WHAT IS GOING ON?! WHATS WRONG WITH HER?! Ripp yelled as he rushed over
to Nallas side. Well It is rather complicated Cameron paused. I will start with
what you both were not informed of Back in the drones world, they could often
revive repeatedly, so some important information was never realized One piece
was how their bodies were altered in a way that can be considered negative for us.
He began.

Here in our world, those facts are quickly becoming apparent. One such fact is that
the pair will become dependent on each other in order to survive. Without one, the
other will die. The time it takes for this change to happen, the time they can be
apart from each other before they begin to suffer, & the distance they can be apart
by, all vary from couple to couple. Since you both have such an incredibly strong
bond & high intimacy level The changes have occurred at a phenomenally
accelerated rate. The distance seems to be quite short & the duration you can be

apart, also seems quite low This means that both your lives now depend on you
both staying together Cameron concluded as Ripp held Nallas hand.

What about Kari? How can we keep the compromise if I cant leave Nallas side?
Ripp asked in concern. That is being taken care of as we speak by a member of my
team that Id yet to introduce to you all He was waiting for you to leave when I
came, actually & I have no doubt in my mind that he is introducing himself as we
speak. Psyker answered calmly.

WHAT?! Ripp exclaimed as he got up to go help Kari, only to stop when Nallas
hand pulling on his, reminded him that he was still needed there. He glanced down
at Kari who stared up at him, barely alive. Her eye lids were already darkening as
she kept struggling with all her might to keep them open. The member I sent will
not harm Kari. That I assure you. He has actually been tasked with helping, by
taking your place by Karis side. Psyker explained.

Ripp relaxed & sat back down on the bed. So Why has Abra not suffered this? I
thought their bond was as strong as mine & Nallas Ripp asked curiously. Looks
can be deceiving Currently their bond has been shattered In fact Teller has
been forcibly entered into a bond with the dark drone, Nightmare When he
became a dark drone, the bond he had with Abra broke. Once he is freed, it can be
re-created But until then, it is impossible to do that. Cameron explained. Its not
just that, either. Abra holds doubt in her heart that the relationship will work. I dont
blame her either. After what happened to Teller, I can see why shed doubt it Its
taken all the motivation she had out of her. Psyker admitted.

Speaking of Abra Where has she been lately? I havent seen her since the first
trial Ripp inquired. She is currently undergoing separate & different one-on-one
training with Yukiko. She has also been getting to know me & my team better, & has
even been staying at our current head-quarters, in Yukikos room. She only returns
here to participate in the trials before returning to our base. Psyker answered.

However considering this development between you & Nalla, Im afraid you wont
be able to participate in Wisps trial. It would be cruel to make you both endure it. I
will have my group omit Wisps trial for the both of you. You may participate in
Yukikos trial tomorrow. Psyker declared. What was the trial going to be? Ripp
asked curiously.

To endure the loss of everything & everyone each person held dear, & still carry on.
Wisps trial is referred to as the Trial of Slaughter, because of that fact. It has rarely

been passed by anyone, & usually traumatizes the survivors for the rest of their
lives. Psyker admitted. Thats horrible! How can you let him administer such a
test?! Ripp argued in disgust. Because we need to be sure that no matter what
Nightmare & Omni-ominous throw at you, you all will keep pushing on After all, if
you dont, everyone in the world will perish. Psyker reasoned.

Nalla slowly sat up & wrapped her arms around Ripp. Ripp in turn wrapped his arms
around her too. Im glad youre feeling better Nalla He whispered as they sat,
embraced by each other peacefully. Nalla simply sucked silently on the lollipop that
Cameron had given her as she nuzzled her head against his neck affectionately.
Ripp knew the sentiment through her action without the need for words.

So what exactly is Abra training for? Ripp asked. Im afraid we cant reveal
that at the moment But I can say this All the members of my team are working
around the clock to help provide her with a few new ground-breaking abilities neverbefore-seen by anyone that are sure to resolve this conflict without any sacrifices
being needed. He replied with a smile.

*** Location Change ***

Kari was on her way back to her room when she stopped. Hey there pretty girl!
Someone called to her. Kari turned around to see a stranger walking towards her.
Ive never seen your face around here Are you new to the academy? The boy
asked. No I usually prefer to be alone She replied as she turned around to
walk off, only for the boy to put his hand on her shoulder.

Aw come on, dont be like that He replied only for large thorns to erupt around
his hand from inside Karis shoulder. Dont. Touch. Me. Again. She growled as she
slowly turned around with green energy pulsating in her eyes. The boy slowly
removed his hand. What rank are you?! He asked fearfully. Im a rank A+. She
replied. The boy slowly backed away. That means you have an original spirit?! He
asked in shock. Is there any other kind? She asked curiously.

You dont know much about this academy Do you? He asked as he raised an
eyebrow. No No one tells me anything She replied as she turned to face him.
There are many ranks but some students in the academy have artificial spirits
Clones of original spirits that were given to average people in order to help them
with assisting the academy As a result Anyone with an artificial spirit is given
anywhere from ranks F- to B+. Anyone with A- or higher has formed a pact with one
of the original drones The boy explained.

So what rank would you be then? Kari asked curiously. Im a rank B+ But I
wasnt expecting to meet someone with an original spirit down here He replied.
Thats nice Now if youll excuse me I must be going She remarked. Wait
Arent you going to introduce yourself? He asked. The name is Kari, Kari Tsuku.
Stealth Operations & Infiltrations Expert of the team led by Ripp Todwell. Kari
replied. YOU MEAN THAT DRONE THAT RAUK-SHAO IS ALWAYS AROUND?! The boy
exclaimed. That would be the one Kari confirmed, not even attempting to hide
her lack of enthusiasm.

D-Do you think we could be friends? The boy asked awkwardly. I dont like
hanging out with people I dont know. She replied as she turned around again to
leave, only for the boy to grab her wrist. Please?! He begged only for an unseen
force to slam him against the wall.

Kari immediately turned around when she heard the boy slamming against the wall,
her eyes stretched wide open. The boy slowly slid down & blacked out. Kari looked
around, realizing they werent alone anymore. Whos there?! She yelled, but no
one answered. Kari picked the boy up off the floor, & ran to her room as fast as she
could. As she arrived she ran to her bed & gently put the boy on it, before running
back to the door. As she reached it she collided with an invisible object & fell
backward, landing on her bum.

Even though he was hassling you You still brought him with you? A voice
asked as Night materialized in front of her, his hood drawn once again. So you
must be the one who attacked him! Who are you!? What do you want?! What reason
could you possibly have for harming an innocent person?! Whatever it is, it better
be a good one, or Ill make you regret your actions! Kari yelled as she got to her
feet, & materialized leaf blades out of her wrist & lunged at the intruder.

Night simply raised his arm & produced vines that tangled around her limbs,
freezing her in place. Ill answer your questions in order. First off, I am Night
Killowa, Assassin of Psyker Atoms team. Second, I came here For you & Third, I
only disarmed him when he refused to let you be. I could have killed him, but I knew
you would object of such an action. He replied as he lowered his hood with his free
arm.

What are you?! She asked as she stared at the vines protruding from his palm,
with shock. Isnt it obvious? Im a dryad Just Like You He replied as he
gently lowered her down & retracted his vines. I came when Psyker told me there
was another dryad like me & a female dryad, at that He admitted. Kari

attempted to run past him only for him to block the door with vines. I cant let you
see him He is currently with Nalla He stated as he turned around.

What is he doing with her?! Kari yelled angrily. Saving her life. She almost died
this morning because she selflessly gave him to you, without knowing her biological
make-up had been rewritten, making her survival dependant on whether he is near
or not. He explained. T-That cant be! She exclaimed in disbelief. I assure
you it is. Why do you think Psyker felt it was best that you didnt come with him?
He exclaimed. You were there when that happened?! Kari asked as she scanned
the room for another way out.

Indeed I was also the one who found Nallas unconscious body after shed
collapsed this morning. He replied. What is it you want with me? Kari growled
as she circled around him uneasily. I wish to get to know you better I heard of
your trouble through Psyker Of the compromise between you & Nalla & how
youd been treated for most of your life. It reminded me of my own childhood, & I
felt compelled to come to your side. He explained as he let the vines blocking her
exit down. I wont stop you from leaving, as I do not wish to start our friendship
that way But I will ask that you not run from me either If you are interested at
all, I will be waiting on the roof until midnight. He stated before vanishing.

STOP, COWARD! GET BACK HERE! She yelled as she dashed towards him, but was
too late, as he vanished before her eyes. Kari fell to her knees & slammed her fist
on the ground. Psyker has a lot to answer for after this! She cursed as she walked
back over to the boy who was still unconscious. She sat down beside him & waited
until he began to stir.

W-What happened? He asked as he looked around. Well Apparently you

werent the only one interested in me When you wouldnt leave me alone, that
other stalker classified you as a threat & knocked you out I decided to bring you
back to my room where youd be safe. Kari explained to the boy.

You Did that for me? He asked curiously. Yea Even though you wouldnt let
me be, I wouldnt wish that sort of treatment on anyone Ive seen enough violence
in my life, I dont wish to see more She explained as she glanced away. Im
sorry for hassling you He apologized. You know You never introduced
yourself Kari pointed out. I didnt think youd even care whether I introduced
myself or not He admitted. Well After what happened My opinion has
changed a bit She answered back.

My name is Erik. Erik Zan. He introduced as he offered her his hand. Its nice to
meet you, Erik. She replied as she shook his hand. So this is your room? He
asked as he took another look around. Yea I recently found out Im a Dryad So I
requested to be moved into a better-fitting room & well This is where they put
me She explained.

A dryad? What is that? He asked curiously. A Dryad is a nature spirit For

most of my life I lived thinking I was a regular human Until recently I was told I
wasnt She explained. That must have been hard He replied with a frown.
Yea I still havent fully come to terms with it She replied as she hung her head,
grabbing her left arm with her right as she tried to make herself smaller.

You know If you want to talk at all about it, you can always come see me in my
room My other dorm mates are usually out partying so its often empty. He
offered. Ill think about it She responded with a nod. Feel free to stay here for
a while, Im going to go see someone about that guy who attacked you I have
some questions that need answering. She replied as she got up. Wait! Ill come
with you! I feel I should after all youve done for me He called as he ran after her.
Thanks but its probably best if you stay here It could get dangerous She
argued.

I dont care I have nothing else better to do anyways. Please? He begged.

Kari, frustrated & lacking the patience to continue arguing caved in & nodded. But
stay close & try to keep up. She ordered as she led him out of the room. The boy
struggled to keep up with Kari, who proved to be incredibly agile & faster than
anyone the boy had ever seen. By the time theyd reached Psykers temporary
room, the boy was out of breath.

As Kari was about to knock, a voice from inside called out. The door is unlocked,
enter. Psyker called from beyond the metal barrier. Kari entered the room & found
Psyker, Vincent, Wisp, Yukiko, & Violet all laying in separate beds that were built into
little cubby holes. PSYKER ATOM! I HAVE HALF A MIND TO THROTTLE YOU! Kari
yelled at the top of her lungs. As Wisp appeared in front of her & attempted to grab
her by the neck, Kari reacted faster & threw him over her shoulder. She proceeded
to bind him to the ground with a massive volume of vines, both smooth & thorncovered. She then charged towards Atom, when Vincent & Yukiko blocked her. Kari,
please Calm down Vincent urged only for Kari to smack him aside. Yukiko tried
to tackle Kari but was ensnared in mid-air by various vines that Kari summoned.

Violet also tried to stop Kari but Kari simply glared furiously at the girl, who backed
away in terror. She then reached up & grabbed Psyker by the neck, who simply

looked at her with an uninterested stare. WHAT PURPOSE DID YOU HOPE TO
ACHIEVE BY TELLING ONE OF YOUR LITTLE MINIONS ALL ABOUT MY DIRTY LITTLE
SECRETS?! She yelled in a blind rage. Suddenly Kari found her hand numb, &
unable to move. Psyker gently reached up & moved her fingers. He then lowered
her hand.

I will not tolerate violence towards me or my friends. I will not hide anything from
you either so dont yell at me or threaten those I care for. Psyker stated calmly. He
then teleported a chair from one of the corners to behind Kari. If you would be so
kind as to have a seat, I will answer any questions you have for me. He informed
her as he too sat down on a nearby chair. He even teleported another, & motioned
for Erik to have a seat as well.

Just who is that guy you shared all my info with?! Kari growled. As Im sure hes
already introduced, Hes Night Killowa. One of my most trusted subordinates, & a
senior Dryad. Thanks to his drone partner he even hides his true appearance.
Psyker admitted. What are his powers, exactly? She asked suspiciously as she
glared at him. He wields the power of illusion. He can hide his presence from those
around him or even make them see things that arent there to begin with. He took a
huge interest in you after I told him that you, too, were a dryad. Psyker mentioned
as he freed Wisp & Yukiko & helped Vincent up using his telekinetic powers.

Well your subordinate attacked innocent people! Why did he do so?! Surely you
would have given him the order not to, would you not?! Kari bellowed. I did, but
he has never listened well to anyone from the beginning. Psyker argued. If
thats the case, then I will terminate him personally. I wont tolerate anyone harming
any of my friends. Kari resolved as she got up, as Wisp approached her. Wisp,
stand down. Psyker warned. Wisp ignored him & tried to punch Kari, only for Psyker
to blast him into the wall. I warned you to stand down, Wisp. Psyker stated calmly.
As Kari was about to leave the room, Psyker stopped her telekinetically.

Beware, Kari, He isnt head of my assassination team for nothing. On top of making
illusions He can also bring them to life. What you think may not be there, very
well could quickly become something that is there. He warned her telepathically
before releasing his grip on her body. Ill keep that in mind She muttered as she
exited the room with Erik following closely. Psyker quietly closed the door
telekinetically behind her as Yukiko, once again tended to Wisp.

Where are we going now, Kari? Erik asked meekly as he followed her closely. To
put an end to the guy who hurt you, & ensure he doesnt hurt anyone else. Kari
replied as they walked up various stairs & down numerous hallways until they finally

found themselves standing on the roof of the building. SHOW YOURSELF NIGHT!
She bellowed. Ah. So you came after all. He called from above them.

Kari & Erik turned around & glanced up. There sitting above them, was Night who
was no longer wearing his cloak. His outfit consisted as a navy-blue jacket with a Vneck collar He wore padded jeans & running shoes. Ive come to end your life! I
wont forgive you for harming another living being! She screamed. Such hostility,
even against the only other person of your kind? He asked with a frown. I dont
care if you are a Dryad like me or not! I DONT FORGIVE UNDESERVED VIOLENCE!
OVERGROW! She yelled as she formed her armour & extended her arms, swiping at
him.

Night did a backflip as Nature cleaved the spot he had been sitting on clean off the
building. If its a fight you want then you will haft to accept my terms. He stated
calmly. WHAT TERMS?! Nature hissed. They are simple enough, if I win, I get to
become your boyfriend. If you win, you can kill me, & I wont resist or try to stop
you. He announced.

Fine with me, because I dont plan on losing! Nature bellowed as she grew 2 extra
pairs of scythe arms. She then lunged at him, extending all her arms as she swiped
at him from various directions. Only for each attack to slide through him harmlessly.
I heard from Psyker about your abilities! So dont think I can be fooled! She
announced as she out-stretched her arms & swung them around in an attempt to hit
him where ever he was. Erik ducked to keep himself from getting hit.

One of Natures arms suddenly slammed into something but before she could do
anything, Night uncloaked himself, revealing hed already transformed into drone
form. His armour was an orangey-brown with a blue pulsation. Blue lines ran all
across his body, including along where his eyes were situated. He blocked her arm
with a large, bladed shield, which he then swiftly cleaved her arm off with. He then
materialized a second one & threw it like a boomerang, using it to slice off all her
other extra arms, before catching it as it returned to him. He then faded away as he
attacked her from behind, knocking her out.

Erik got up & glared at him. I wont let you have her! He yelled as he stood firmly.
Are you really ready to sacrifice your life for her? He asked as he slid his shields
onto his back. You bet I am! I CALL UPON THE POWERS GRANTED TO ME BY THE
REPLICATION OF THE SPIRIT KIRA ORIGAMI! FOLD! He yelled as he summoned
paper armour. He then took a piece of paper off his armour like Origami would, &
formed it into a double-sided axe.

He then charged at Night angrily. I refuse to kill you still but since you refuse to
give up, I regret to inform you that I must once again disarm you Night admitted
as he appeared beside Erik, who he kicked in the gut with enough force to knock
him unconscious. As Eriks armour fell apart, Night deconstructed his own armour.
He then walked over to Kari, who he picked up. As he turned to walk away, he
paused, glancing back at the boy.

If I leave him here & it rains, Kari may never forgive me He muttered as he
walked back over to Erik, who he picked up as well, before proceeding inside quietly.
He then cloaked himself & the two in his arms as he made his way to Psykers room.
He walked in & noticed that Yukiko was bandaging up Wisps injuries from his earlier
attempt at attacking Kari. He uncloaked himself, Erik & Kari, which prompted Wisp
to walk towards Kari, whom he attempted to attack again, but was punched out of
the room by Night when Wisp had gotten too close.

I see you didnt go easy on them Psyker acknowledged as he rested on his own
bed. You should know why I came here Night remarked. Yes You came to ask
me to look into the boys psyche to find out which room hes in so you can take him
back before returning Kari to her own room Psyker announced, to which Night
nodded.

Sadly he has yet to give her his room number If you take him back without
getting that for her, it will not help the trust between you & her However, if you
did make the effort to get that for her, it may prove to work in the opposite favour.
Psyker noted.

Very well What room number must I memorize? He asked. The boy lives at
room eighty-two on sub-floor four. Psyker informed him. Alright Ill write a note
after I take him there & thank-you For the help I know she came after you
because of this He admitted. I didnt admit it to her, but I knew how these
events would play out from the start Sadly This is the best possible outcome
that could have occurred out of all the possible scenarios. Thats what a certain
someone told me. Psyker revealed.

Psyker I wonder sometimes Is all of this basically just one big chess game or
something? Because the way you talk about it & the way you act I cant help but
ponder He asked uncertainly. Chess is nothing like life If you make a mistake
in a game like chess, you can always play another round In life There is only one
round You cant just start over Psyker replied.

Yet you never sound like you take things seriously Night pointed out. Night, we
are quite different, you & I We hold different values, live with different morals,
have different personalities, different interests But regardless, not once have I
underestimated anything. I do take this seriously, but I also have faith that things
will work out, & for the best at that. He replied.

Now you should run along. She doesnt stay out for as long as you might think.
Psyker urged as he rolled over in his bed. Night picked the two up & left, cloaking
himself again as he exited the room. He made his way down to the room that Psyker
had stated. He slowly entered & noticed that three men were home. He quietly
made his way into the bedroom, where he placed Erik when the men werent
looking. With Erik now where he belonged, Night left the room, closing the door
silently behind him before making his way further down to where Karis room was
located.

Upon reaching it, he found Ripp & Nalla waiting for him. He snuck into Karis room
unnoticed by the two who were looking for Kari. I hate to do this but He
muttered silently as he used his powers on Ripp & Nalla, causing them to
hallucinate. The two left the room calmly, thinking they were asked to go to
Camerons room by Rauk-Shao who had supposedly volunteered to stay behind to
watch over the room instead.

Once the door closed behind them, he waited for them to leave his vision of sight
before locking the door. He then placed Kari on the bed & without anything else to
do himself, laid on the bed with her. When she woke up, she looked around. Upon
spotting Night, she proceeded to start beating him as hard as she could. He reached
up & his arms separated into vines that entangled her wrists as his body began to
flicker & distort. Slowly the form of skin he had shown since his appearance began
to flicker away, revealing a coat of vines in their place. His eyes were formed out of
bright green nature energy.

What on earth?! Kari exclaimed. I have not shown anyone except a select few
what you are seeing now He admitted as he stared into her eyes. You see This
is what I truly look like This is My deepest most guarded secret He explained.
You really arent human Are you? Kari stuttered as she slowly lowered her
arms. I never intended to give the impression that I was He answered back as
he gently let go of her arms, reforming his own.

But as agreed upon, I did win our little bout, which means you haft to keep up your
end of the deal. He reminded her. Where is Erik?! She asked as she glanced
around. Back in his own room Room Eighty-Two, sub-floor four. He tried to protect

you & would not back down I was left with no choice but to knock him out, or risk
causing him harm. He explained. I dont like you. Kari growled as she crossed her
arms.

Look Whats it going to take to gain your trust, & get into your good books?
Because I really dont want all this hostility youve been giving me since we met If
I could, Id redo our first meeting again so that you wouldnt be so mad at me He
exclaimed with a sigh.

Nothing can change how much I hate you. Kari replied coldly & adamantly. I
disagree Perhaps youd like to hear just what Ive gone through After all, out of
the both of us, Im the only one who knows anything about the other. He
exclaimed.

I couldnt care less about you or your past! She growled unsympathetically. That
is sad Out of everyone, I thought you of all people would understand You know
You keep judging me by how Ive acted But not once have you even tried to learn
my reasons for my behavior. You all fight to make the world a better place, but you
fail to even think of the reasons for others actions. He pointed out.

If this is how you treat others even when they try to make up for their mistakes, I
dont want anything to do with you either! I tried to be nice, I kept that Erik guy
alive even though it would have been more effective to kill him off, not once but
twice. I memorized his room number before returning him to his room so youd be
able to find & meet him again, even though it could end up coming back to bite me
in the future. I took all this time to come & meet you when I could have said forget
helping you with your problems. I could have said to heck with all of this & yet I
went out of my way to do all that, & you still treat me like garbage. I havent once
treated you cruelly, despite you snapping at me repeatedly, & even threatening &
attacking me. He protested as he got up off the bed.

Who was it that sliced off all my arms? Kari reminded him. Who was it that
attacked me in the first place with all those arms?! He snapped. You attacked me,
& yet I chose to disarm you, rather than out-right kill you, just like I did with that
boy. I chose not to kill him because he hadnt harmed you. But this whole time, even
that has been enough reason for you to want me dead! Im about done trying. He
yelled as he stormed off towards the door. Where are you going? Kari asked as
her eyes followed him.

Im going to end my life. Ive had it with all of this. I was hoping to give life one
more try & as of now, that last chance has failed. I want nothing more to do with
anything. He stated as he opened the door. As he was about to exit, the door
slammed shut, causing him to walk face-first into it. Night turned around & glared at
Kari. Open. The. Door. He growled threateningly.

Kari shook her head silently. Furious & out of patience, Night turned around & broke
the glass keeping him inside. As he leaped out, he found himself restrained & pulled
back inside the room by vines. Once inside, a wall of ivy sprung upwards to cover
the broken window sills.

WHAT THE HECK?! He yelled furiously as he struggled against the vines. I

Was wrong Kari replied quietly. LIKE I CARE AT THIS POINT?! IVE HAD IT WITH
ALL OF THIS! IM ENDING MY LIFE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. He bellowed as he
struggled against the vines even harder.

I wont let you down until you give up on such things Kari replied as she got up
& walked over to him. I was wrong To treat you the way I did You were right, I
was too angry by what youd done to consider all the other facts To give you the
benefit of the doubt Im Sorry She apologized. ITS TOO LATE FOR
APOLOGIES! I TOLD YOU, IM DONE TRYING TO BE NICE TO YOU! I POURED MY
HEART INTO TRYING TO BUILD SOMETHING WITH YOU, BUT YOUVE DESTROYED ALL
MY DESIRES TO BUILD FROM IT! He bellowed. As he opened his mouth to yell at her
again, he found her tongue wrap around his as she locked lips with him. His eyes
widened as he struggled against the vines even more.

When she pulled away, Night spat & coughed. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH
YOU?! He yelled. I wished to prove my point You said you wished to tell me
about your past right? I Wouldnt mind hearing about it At least before you
go kill yourself at the least She replied with a frown as she hung her head &
fidgeted uncomfortably. You truly are a piece of work! You know that?! He spat.
Ive heard worse She remarked as she let him down. As he approached the
vines that blocked his path, he found his departure halted. Kari had thrown her arms
around him from behind him. He could feel her crying as she buried her head
against him. She broke down & sobbed uncontrollably as she maintained as tight a
grip as she could.

Why do you care at all?! He asked. Because Im tired of seeing suffering Im

Im tired, myself, of suffering She whined as she slid down, ending up in a loose
pile at his feet. Night stopped & paused to consider leaving her or giving her one
more chance. Within two seconds he reached down & scooped Kari up into his arms,

& took her back to the bed. Im sorry! Kari sobbed as she buried herself against
him. The time for apologies has passed. All is forgiven He replied quietly.

Kari cried even harder upon hearing his words, while Night just held her in his arms.
Eventually Kari cried herself to sleep. Night gently slid her into bed, before walking
over to a nearby couch, where he sat with a blanket over himself, trying to get as
comfortable as he could as he also tried getting some sleep.