Chapter Text
Chisa's POV
My mind was racing...
A deal...?
Why would anyone want to willingly make a deal with Joseph?
Ashen Eye seems to know about Cartaphilus...
So then why...?
I know he's staring at me. I can feel his gaze burning holes into my head. I look up reluctantly, meeting his blazing eyes immediately. I wince at the intensity of his stare, his mouth is set in a thin line, eyebrows furrowed.
"Do not say a word. I mean it, puppy."
My eyes widen and I inhale sharply. Did he just- I just heard him inside my head! I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I wasn't expecting that. My eyes reflect my shock and if it's possible, Joseph's eyes harden even more.
"Chisa..."
I gulp, fear creeping into my mind again. I instantly drop my head, letting my purple hair act as a curtain, shielding me from his penetrating gaze. I have to submit to him, I have to. After what he's just done, I never want to suffer his wrath again. I let my hand fall on my stomach, remembering how excruciating the pain was.
"I won't..."
I say inside my head, hoping it's enough. My hands tremble slightly, showing my nervousness.
"Do you promise, puppy?"
Out of fear, I don't think twice before quickly replying:
"Yes..."
"Good girl. I hope for your sake you honour that promise."
My hands grow cold at his words. I sink deeper into Ashen Eye's arms, trying to make myself appear smaller. I try to stop a shudder that threatens to reveal how scared I am. Ashen Eye still hasn't put me down yet. Joseph's probably angry about that too. I wish I could just disappear right now...
Joseph struggles to his feet, holding his arm tightly. He obviously did not want to appear weak in front of an Ancient Fae. Ashen Eye seems to stiffen slightly. He must be thinking that Joseph may try to attack him again. They both stare at each other for a long time. Their gazes were so penetrating, they made my want to curl up into a ball and hide - they weren't even looking at me!
Joseph's voice cuts through the tense atmosphere: "Very well. I will listen to your 'deal', provided that you let go of my Sleigh Beggy." Joseph's tone left no room for negotiation.
Ashen Eye chuckled. "Very well."
He shifted my small frame in his arms, setting me down upright. But the second my feet hit the ground, my head started spinning and my limbs felt like jelly. I clutched my head with my hand, leaning on Ashen Eye's arm while he held my other hand to keep me steady.
"Come here, puppy. Now."
It was a command, not a request. But not wanting to anger him, I fought against the pounding inside my head, stepping forward. As soon as my foot made contact with the ground, it buckled, and I started to fall. However, in the same second, I felt two arms wrap around my waist gently, supporting my weight and keeping me upright. I was pulled back into a warm chest - Ashen Eye.
I was too weak to protest, but I knew Joseph wouldn't be happy. So I tried to wriggle out of Ashen Eye's grip. But my thumping head and wobbly legs didn't help the situation. I groaned, pressing my hand on my temple, a vain attempt to ease the pain.
"Careful child! You shouldn't move rashly like that after losing so much blood. You really are quite a fragile little thing."
I slumped into his arms, giving up. It was only then when I noticed how long his arms were. He was able to clasp his hands together without squashing me at all. Ashen lifted his third hand up to my hair, grabbing a few strands and caressing them lightly. Through heavy eyes, I looked over to Joseph. I shivered slightly at the scowl on his face, knowing he was livid.
Ashen seemed to notice my sudden stiffness as well as Joseph's glare. "Now, now. There's no need to be hostile. The girl cannot stand, so I am assisting her. You can see exactly what I'm doing so there should be no problem, correct?" His tone was so calm and measured, as though he was reasoning with a child.
Joseph sighed heavily, closing his eyes. "Fine. Tell me about this deal of yours."
Ashen Eye relaxes, and if he had a face, I think he would be smirking right now. "But of course! You see, Alchemist, throughout my many years of living, I have never encountered such wonderful human specimens such as you or your Sleigh Beggy."
"I'm hardly human." Joseph states bitterly, making me flinch.
"While there may be truth in your words, it is your feelings and how you portray them that interests me. Your anger, pain, suffering - it's beautiful!" He breaks off to cup my face. "This child's sister - she is like you-"
"Do not compare me to that girl! I hate her!" Joseph seethes.
I wince again at his choice of words. That's my sister... Ashen Eye laughs once again, appearing to be amused by Joseph's reaction.
"It is displays of emotion like your hatred that I adore."
I look at Joseph, he seems to be as confused as I am. This creature doesn't make any sense... The way he compliments us about our emotions, especially my pain and Joseph's hatred, is unnerving. I really don't like this. Something bad is going to happen, I feel it...
"I'm not understanding you. What does our emotion have to do with your deal?" Joseph seems to be irritated.
"Well, I believe I know what your little plan for these hatchlings are... And I'm sure you've realised, that the Keeper of the Aerie has already contacted the College."
Joseph stiffens. The College? What does that mean? How can a school be of any help to Lindel? I want the dragons to be free, I just don't see how a school can help.
"And as of recently," Ashen Eye continues, "The Child of Thorn and his little apprentice are quite friendly with the Alchemists of the College. I have no doubt you know what this means..."
Ashen Eye trails off. I glance at Joseph, worry contorting his features. My mind is also racing. Alchemists of the College? Child of Thorn? Ashen Eye's words trouble me, he always seems to speak in riddles. Riddles, that Joseph seems to understand, as worry that is quickly concealed by irritation, flashes in his stormy eyes.
"The College is planning to ask for the Mages' help. Think about it... an alliance of Alchemists and Mages against you... things may not go well. However, this could be an opportunity to rid yourself of the fledgling Mage you despise so much."
I know he's talking about Chise. Rid yourself... No! He's talking about killing my sister! I felt the angry tears spring to my eyes as I started to shake. I struggled against Ashen Eye's grip, shaking my head furiously. I kept muttering 'no', over and over again.
This can't happen! It's not fair! What has my sister done to Joseph and this creature to deserve death? I can't let it happen... not when I know she's living a better life than me...
Ashen Eye's grip on my waist tightens when I start thrashing around. Joseph clears his throat meaningfully and I still immediately, remembering his warning.
"Now, now! Let the child be upset, we are conversing about ending her sister's life after all. And her emotion is beautiful..." Ashen Eye strokes my face and I squeeze my eyes shut. "But yes, the little Bird Mage is far too meddlesome for my taste. And that Thorn Child needs to be taught a lesson as well."
"I still fail to see how this benefits you. So far, you're telling me that I can rid myself of my enemies, but how am I to defeat them if they are backed by the College? Ancient Fae don't go around killing Sleigh Beggies. You find them precious," he gestures to the way Ashen Eye is holding me with care.
"That is true, young Alchemist." He chuckles. "However, I had some fun with the Mage and his apprentice a few days ago... while I was satisfied with the results, their attitudes towards me as their elder were inexcusable. That Mage has ruined the poor Sleigh Beggy - she is not valuable to me anymore."
"That's your deal? You want her dead, so you want me to kill her?" Joseph said bluntly.
My heart clenched at his words. Have hope, have hope... I need to see her again, alive. In this life, not in the great beyond.
"That is not quite my deal, but it is included. You see... I want to study you and your Sleigh Beggy. Your emotions surpass those of Chise Hatori - in other words, you're more interesting, and fun to watch."
I can't believe what I'm hearing... this is just so wrong... Tears fall steadily down my face, showing how this is affecting me. He wants Chise to die, to teach the Mage a lesson... How unfair is that? How selfish can someone be? I continue listening, the ache in my chest increasing by the second.
"I am prepared to help you defeat them both, if you agree to let me taunt the girl for a time before you end her life - her expression of pain is glorious to watch. Also, I want you to let me take care of your Sleigh Beggy..."
My heart stopped.
Fear embedded itself deep into my mind. No, I don't want to go anywhere with him... he wants to kill Chise! He wants to watch her suffer and die, at Joseph's hands... I can't let that happen. Chise deserves to live - we both do. Not as experiments or merged souls, as ourselves.
Together...
"Absolutely not!"
Joseph voice rips me from my thoughts. He is advancing towards us quickly. Ashen Eye doesn't react when he grabs my arm harshly, pulling me away from him and into his chest. I was still weak, and the action made my head spin and I stumbled into Joseph. My hands connected with his chest and he snaked his arm around my waist, trapping me. My heart raced at his actions - I knew by now things like this never ended well.
"She is my Sleigh Beggy and I will not allow you to steal her from me! She has a purpose with me, she will save me from my Curse. If that's what you want then the deal is off."
I inhaled sharply... if the deal is off, then there's a chance that Chise will live!
"Child, that is not what I mean. I would not steal her from you, she is yours, we Fae know that."
Any hope I had was just snuffed out like a candlelight.
"What I mean is, when the confrontation between you and the Mages happens, would it not make more sense for the child to be hidden? You don't want the young Mage to know of her twin's existence - she may try to take her away from you. I know you certainly don't want that - I know what you plan to do with her... It is better for her not to be present, so there are no mishaps."
Joseph is silent. I move my head, looking up at him. He appears to be thinking about the offer Ashen Eye has made. His grey eyes seem cloudy, and his grasp has slackened slightly.
"I would take care of her, make her stronger. If she is too weak when you merge with her, she could die."
I froze.
I could die... I used to want to die... but I don't want to now... I have something to live for...
"Given her current state, I don't think she could survive the convergence anytime soon, do you?"
Joseph appeared to deliberate this for a moment. I jumped as his hand traced the scars that marred my arms. They had faded from the angry red, to a light pink.
"Very well," Joseph said suddenly. "If you agree to help me defeat my enemies, you can take my Sleigh Beggy and make her stronger. You can study our emotions until you are content."
I was shocked. Joseph agreed...
He agreed, to let this creature help him... and he's allowing him to take me away...
What about Chise? If I don't do something now, I might as well be signing her death warrant! I stare up at Joseph, desperation swimming in my grassy eyes.
"Joseph ple-"
I'm cut off by Joseph's hand fisting my hair and tugging it back sharply. My breathing hitches and I cry out at the stinging sensation. I gaze into Joseph's eyes, anger flashing in them.
"Quiet, puppy. This is important."
His voice was hard. I gulped and averted my gaze to the floor. He released my hair, pushing my face back into his chest and smoothing out the tangled locks.
"To make this all formal: you want guardianship over my Sleigh Beggy, as well as the study of our emotions. In return, you promise to help me defeat my enemies, correct?"
"I believe it is a fair trade... Two for two. Will you accept my terms, Alchemist?"
Please Joseph! Say no, no, no!
"I accept your terms, Ashen Eye."
"Splendid..."
Suddenly, a soft breeze tousled my hair and I pulled away from Joseph's chest. A sparkling, red light, surrounded us in a circle. Ashen Eye walked closer to us and floating chains appeared around us in a circle. I watched in wonder, the red sparkles dancing in front of my eyes. Suddenly, the chains were pulled tight and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared.
"With that, the contract is now complete. Now, I shall take the girl away and allow her to heal properly." Ashen Eye extended his hand towards me, but Joseph clutched me to his chest possessively.
"A moment please," he said, surprising me.
"Very well."
Joseph tucked a few strands of my violet hair behind my ear before he whispered into it: "Listen carefully, Chisa. When you are with Ashen Eye, you will not attempt to escape. You will be a good little Sleigh Beggy and behave appropriately." My heart thudded erratically against my chest. He moved away from my ear, pressing his forehead against mine so that our eyes were locked. "I will miss you, puppy. But do not fret, we will be together again soon. Then, the time will be right and we can be bound together for eternity. Your sister is going to die, it's a shame you didn't get to see her again, but, oh well."
Tears streamed from my eyes and a lump formed in my throat. His words hurt my heart, I don't want to lose her again, I can't. Joseph moved his hands from my back to my face, wiping the tears away, stroking my cheeks gently. Then, he kissed my forehead. I struggled hard not to shiver, closing my eyes but failing miserably.
Suddenly, Joseph held me at arms length, before quickly crushing me into his chest, wrapping his arms securely around my small frame.
"Who would have thought," he whispered, "that I would have grown so attached to you." He presses his lips against my forehead again, and I fought hard against the wave of disgust that flooded through my body. "I shall see you soon, puppy."
With that, he released me. In the next second, Ashen Eye has grabbed my hand and dragged me back to his chest, wrapping his two left arms around me. I stiffened automatically, staring straight into Joseph's eyes. His bangs hid their true emotion, but I saw a hint of sadness in them... No, I'm dreaming, he could never be sad...
"Farewell, young Joseph. We shall meet again soon. We have lots to discuss yet..."
Ashen Eye lifted his staff into the air sideways, muttering strange, foreign words under his breath. Instantly, he used his spare right hand to cover me with his robe. I gasped in shock at the sudden darkness that enveloped me, feeling extremely claustrophobic.
Then I felt the familiar numbness... I'm going to Flash... again...
*****
I'm running...
Not right now, but soon I will be.
But I'm running haphazardly, as though I'm trying to fight off my weakness, or perhaps I'm dizzy...
I take in my surroundings: the floor is tiled black and white, and the walls are also white. Large wooden doors fly past me as I continue to run...
I glance behind me. At the far end of the hallway, there's a big, black dog with red, glowing eyes bounding after me. It looks scary, and even though this hasn't happened yet, I'm afraid.
It's presence makes me run faster. It's like I have to get away...
"Hey! Wait! Chisa!"
That voice...
Why does it sound familiar...?
*****
I jump back into reality, panting heavily, sweat coating my face. I'm still trapped behind Ashen Eye's robe, which really isn't helping my state at the moment. I listen carefully, trying calm my beating heart and shallow breaths. I can just about hear him, he's still muttering those foreign words.
Suddenly, it's like the ground disappears from under my feet. I scream, it feels as though I'm falling. I can't see and I can't stop...
The dizziness inside my head intensifies, and I feel my limbs go limp. It's like all the strength is leaving my body.
And I don't know why... but after seeing that Flash...
I have a feeling that whatever the outcome of this deal is...
It has just sealed my fate...
*****
Hi readers! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! I can't wait to get the next one written because-
No! Bad author! Sorry, nearly spoiled the surprise there 😅
Anyway, I hope you're all as happy as you can be in quarantine, and I hope you're all healthy 👍🏻
Until next time
ilovemanga19 💕