An unfamiliar scene lies out before him.
Beneath the shade of a great tree, a young Sirius cries, hugging his bloodied knee.
Tears fall from his red cheeks and seep into the open wound. His cries echo in the empty landscape until interrupted by a sluggish figure.
"Hush now, my little star."
The motherly shape takes hold and squeezes him tightly. The blank canvas bursts into a dance of warm pigments and hues.
Muffled whines dissolve a into tired sniffle. The palm of the figure brushes through the boy's short, umber hair. Stroking him gently, she shushes the boy, assuring him that "Everything will be alright."
Somehow her words make the pain fade away.
The woman brings him in closer so that nothing, not even the smallest particle, can come between them.
The loving embrace from his mother stops time in its entirety. Besides the two of them, nothing else exists in this realm. This quiet, painted world of dreams.
Is this real? Is this a memory?
It doesn't matter. Nothing does.
A final tear streams down and falls into the soft grass below.
~~~
Sunlight pokes through the velvet curtains and sweeps over the boy's eyelids. The boy rustles under the thick sheets before being torn away from his slumber.
A distant dream bleeds into the back of his mind, and Sirius's eyes greet his brightly lit bedroom. Something similar to a bird chirps outside the window. The comfort of the blankets and pillows hinders his ability to get out of bed, but seeing how he has a full day ahead of him, the promise of a new life compels him to rise.
Not even half-awake, he throws off the covers and rolls to the edge of the bed. The boy is on the brink of being considered naked. He didn't dare sleep on the fancy bed with those blood-stained clothes.
He drops down and fully folds the curtains, dimming the room in its entirety. Not that it matters much, since his eyes are still ninety percent closed.
Stumbling to where he left his clothes the night before, a folded pile of pajamas sits in front of the door.
Too tired to even be grateful, he slips on the comfy pants and long-sleeved robe. Forgetting to go brush his teeth, or whatever the equivalent here is, he ties the strap around his waist and uses his elbow to open the door.
His drowsy brain can't comprehend the labyrinth that is this mansion's hallways, so his slippers drag across the carpet until he miraculously finds the main stairwell.
Wilphrey had told him last night that breakfast would be served in the main kitchen. With that in his subconscious mind, he stumbles down the steps into the foyer. A dastardly yawn makes his eyes water as he wanders toward what he hopes to be the kitchen.
A small archway in the wall expands into a kitchen the size of a home. The left is brimming with pots, pans, spices, stoves, and other kitchenware. A slim, older man with an apron tends to a steaming pan.
Towards the center of the room is a white-marbled island with ten or so high-top chairs. Two of the seats are inhabited by a human and a lunim.
Korlin wears the same pajamas as Sirius. The boy eagerly chats with the blindfolded man.
Seeing him from the back, the lord really doesn't appear to have any wings. Is it only a female trait? No, there were males with wings in the city.
Brushing it off, Sirius creeps inside the warm, sweet-scented room.
"Ah, welcome," the slim cook greets the boy. "Take a seat, the food will be ready shortly." The man is blurry to Sirius, he's too tired to thank him, so he simply nods.
"Good morning, Sirius. Did you sleep well?" The wingless man, clothed with a much fancier robe, grins cheerfully.
"I think so..." Sirius mumbles, taking a seat one away from Korlin. His eyes heavy, he rests his head atop the cool counter.
"There, there..." Korlin pats him on the shoulder. Strangely, it soothes Sirius almost back into slumber. "Anyways, as I was saying-" Korlin turns back to the man with the tiny top hat. Does he sleep with that thing on? "You got your own little harem going on here, don't you?"
The lord starts choking on his water.
"H-Harem? Me?"
"Yes, you! I mean, come on, you got Pholy, Aureole, Hyacinth, Wilphrey... and that butler there, but he doesn't count."
"And Wilphrey does?"
"He's an honorary member of the harem. As long as he teaches me magic..."
"Unfortunately for you, I harbor no romantic feelings for anyone under this roof. Besides, everyone except for Wilphrey and Cilas are all around your age. I'm not that kind of man."
"You hardly look much older yourself."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
As those two converse, the distant sound of footsteps grows closer. Taking his head off the table, Sirius finds a girl walking around the corner.
Aureole, her hair down and messy, rubs her half-shut eyes as she shuffles in. With the coming of the morning sun, her irises have returned to their gradient blue.
"Good morning," Sirius manages to say, yawning in the process.
The girl stumbles over and sits right beside him.
"Good..." She doesn't finish her response. She falls asleep with her head in her hands.
"You can't even get out morning?" he jests.
"Shushy shush..."
Korlin abruptly breaks into a chuckle.
"You two aren't morning people, huh?"
"Nuh-uh," Sirius's head falls back onto the table.
Aureole's hand raises into the air before limply falling right back down.
"There's actually a good reason for that," Rawlin says. "Lumalins are closely connected to the moon and the night, and as such, they lose energy during the day." The lord's wisdom bestows upon them. "It's only natural they hate mornings."
"Lumalins?" Sirius mutters.
"It's another term for lunims..." Aureole mumbles back.
"Well, what about you?" Korlin questions the man. "You seem well awake."
"I'm used to pulling all-nighters and staying up the entire day."
"Ooo, they're still called all-nighters here, huh?"
"Oh- Aha," the man stutters a little. "I heard the phrase from a human a long time ago, and I liked how it sounded."
Something about this guy, apart from his sketchy appearance, just feels off. Looking at his face gives a false sense of innocence...
"Ah, makes sense, makes sense. What's the longest you've ever stayed up?"
"Hmm, it was about... I want to say five days."
"Fi-Five days?! That's crazy! Why were you up that long??"
"Let's just say I used to make a lot of dumb decisions," he plasters a smile. A twitch in his half-covered cheeks portrays lingering regret.
"Aww, come on... Gimme more than that!"
The conversation trails off, and Sirius watches the two with a faint grin.
Somehow noticing this, Aureole asks: "What's got you so cheery?"
"Hm? Oh, I ha- I haven't really had a morning like this before... Waking up, having breakfast with a bunch of people... Apart from when I stayed at hotels, I guess..."
It's true. For the past few years, every morning was the same. He'd wake up and make breakfast, usually toast, by himself. Mornings were quiet and empty. And he liked that, but... they were lonely.
Occasionally, he'd see his brother or one of his parents, but he'd always avoid interaction if possible. Speaking with them only brought him sadness. If only he had spoken with them more... Than maybe, just maybe... He wouldn't feel this much regret. He could've felt like he had a family. Like he used to.
But sitting here with these three, and a cook, fills him with nostalgic warmth. It reminds him of a hotel breakfast, ones he'd have when on vacation... He's always liked those.
"Ho...tels?"
"Ah, nothing."
-That's right... There's no hotels in this world.
It seems like such a strange concept. Surely people in this world need places to stay when away from home, no? On his first day here, he surely entered what's akin to a love hotel. Then again, the man in there didn't recognize what an "inn" was. Maybe they're just named something different.
Things in this world have similarities in naming conventions to Earth, but there also exist some blatant oddities. Names like "night-rise" aren't common at all where he comes from. Though there is logic attached to these titles.
Timekeeper had given him that gummy to speak and understand the language, but the slang and way of speaking weren't obtained. How did that gummy even work? Hmm. It's too early to contemplate otherworldly mechanics.
...
There are still empty seats.
"Where are the others?" Sirius asks the drowsy girl. All of this thinking has slowly but surely begun waking him up.
"Hyacinth doesn't usually join us for breakfast, and Wilphrey probably has some errands. But, Pholy should be up by now..."
"Oh!" Korlin chimes in. "I'll go look for her!"
The energetic boy jumps out of his seat and prances over towards the doorway. He barely turns the corner, when- Thud -His feet hit something on the floor.
"Ow..." The groggy cry comes from a short girl lying in the middle of the hallway.
"...Why?"
"I sleepy."
Pholy takes a seat considerably far from Korlin, right beside Aureole. Both of their bed-headed hair tangles together as they lie next to one another.
Ceramic plates are placed in front of everyone one by one. Gilded egg whites absorb a bright yellow ball of yolk in their centers. Cut meats equivalent to small steaks steam and soak in bubbling juices. Shining fruits add color to the painting that is this marvelous plate. Herbs of green are sprinkled over the luscious foods.
"Thank you..." Sirius says, stunned.
-This is breakfast?!
After everyone gets their initial plate, the butler sets down glasses of citrus juice. These are followed by more smaller plates, each with their own delicacies or dipping sauces. It truly looks like a royal supper fit for a king.
An entire feast is presented before the boy. It's so much more, and so drastically different from any breakfast or meal he's ever had. Is this a normal breakfast for this land? Or is this just because we're in a mansion, surrounded by royalty? How loaded are these people??
It's a tad bit... overwhelming.
"Is this alright...?" Sirius asks to no one in particular.
Korlin is already stuffing his face. The lord and Pholy have begun as well.
"What was that?" Aureole moves sluggishly into an upright position. Water forms at the base of her eyelashes due to the rising steam.
"I can eat this... right?" It's just food... Why does it feel so surreal?
"Um... Yes?" She's a bit confused. "Are you alright? Did you get sick? It was cold last night-"
"No, no, I'm fine, it's just-" He stares at his foreign, food-stuffed plate. "Never mind..."
"...S-"
"So," the lord speaks. "After breakfast, Pholy, would you mind taking our new friends to get a fresh set of clothes?"
"...Pardon?"
Pholy is flabbergasted at the suggestion.
"Would you mind-"
"No, no... I heard you."
"So..."
"No."
"Hmm, I expect the garden to be shining when I return then." Brushing off the tired girl, he directs his attention to the cook. "In that case, Cilas, would you mind fitting them?"
"Not at all, my lord."
The cook, butler, whatever he is, bows in obedience. He looks the type of man to do anything he is told; his posture reflects his dignified persona. A strong mustache is nestled underneath his nostrils; without it, the gentleman would likely appear infantile.
"You think this guy knows magic?" Korlin flails himself across the gaped seat to whisper in Sirius's ear.
"Probably. I mean, look at his mustache."
"You're right... That is some mean facial hair right there. It must be magic."
"Has to be."
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
"Unfortunately for both of us, my mustache is not magical."
Korlin collapses to the ground, his hands clutching his heart.
"Betrayal..."
The boy's knees give out, and his body lies limp in the center of the comically large closet.
"Apologies, I seem to have given your friend some heartache."
"No, no, that's quite alright," Sirius assures the man. "He'll get over it."
"No, I won't!" The dead man yet lives.
"Thank you for taking us here," Sirius shoots the confirmed-to-be butler an appealing expression.
The "here" in question is a massive, studio-apartment-sized closet, stocked full of clothing of all varieties. Three oversized mirrors are posted around the room to show all angles of oneself. Everything has a nice, wooden scent like a log cabin.
No royal garbs occupy the closet; those are likely kept elsewhere and for good reason. This room looks like it hasn't been used in decades. Though Cilas mentions Pholy and Hyacinth use this room occasionally. Everyone has their own closets, so this place acts something like a clothing store.
"As it is my lord's wish, I will take you anywhere."
"That's some deep dedication. Is he really that great?"
"It is not for me to decide whether he is great or not. I am to be loyal to my bitter end."
"Huh... Well, I appreciate it nonetheless."
Sirius bows respectfully, giving the man a modest look on his face. In contrast, the boy sprawled out on the floor raises his voice in a completely immodest fashion.
"You can still teach me magic though... right?"
"Apologies, I am unfit to produce blessings of any kind."
"...Unfit? You mean... some people can't use magic?"
"Correct. If I may ask, you two are Witch Spawn, no?"
Sirius, housing a faint sense of dread, speaks out.
"That's right..."
"Do blessings not apply in your land of origin?" The man begins shifting through racks of hanging clothes. "I am informed that your deaths thrust you into this land, and that you seem to lack basic knowledge and etiquette. Is your homeland truly that foreign?"
"Ignoring that blatant insult, I suppose so. Things like blessings, wonics, and wailians don't exist there. The whole concept of Witch Spawns wasn't around either. Nor were real witches at all."
"So, it was an entirely different culture? Fascinating..."
"If you don't mind me asking... Are there a lot of humans, or- Witch Spawns? I haven't seen many just walking around."
Now that they're talking about it, Cilas quite perfectly matches the image of an aged human. As does Wilphrey, for that matter. But based on all they've said, they couldn't possibly be humans. There must be some distinct difference he's missing.
Pulling out a ridiculous set of polka-dotted pants, the butler holds it in front of his vision, using Sirius as a model.
"From my knowledge, most Witch Spawn brought into this world are either enslaved or sent away to special villages." The two boys' expressions distort, leading Cilas to a smooth follow-up. "Of course, the country of Lunalir takes no part in these engagements. Witc- ... or, humans, are free to roam this land as they please, though most businesses don't tend to serve them. Due to this constant discrimination, the majority of humans end up migrating north to safe havens."
"Safe havens? Is it really that bad?"
"Lots of people tend to be superstitious around here. It leads them to drastic actions."
"An example being...?" Korlin, now sitting crisscrossed, is more curious than concerned.
Cilas ponders a moment. His aged wrinkles depress further.
"...While rare, hordes of the foolish will sometimes march into the homes of humans, driving them out through threats or violence. These people have it in their minds that humans are here to bring death to all. They are devoid of even the thought that these beings are capable of thought or emotion."
"How about you?" Sirius needs to know how to approach this person. How to interact.
"I have no qualms with your kind. I do not agree with that mentality... But, I understand it."
"..."
"The fear of death... So embedded in our blood, can drive us mad. The fear of losing someone important to you... losing your reason to live. Death is cruel; it fuels ambition along with our irrationality. If someone or something were to threaten your existence with the face of death, would you, too, not cower?"
"..."
"..."
"But those are just misconceptions. Humans don't take lives from others, or are even related to the witch."
"How can you be so sure? You arrived here mere days ago."
"That's true, but..."
"Besides, even if it is false, people love excuses. If given the chance, would you not also readily blame someone for your distress? People desire to be informed, to believe in something... And if something justifies your belief, the deeper your disdain is for defiance."
The closet is strained with awkward silence.
Sirius admits that he hadn't thought of it that way. Such a cultural difference subconsciously made him detach himself from attempting to understand the inhabitants of this world.
He's always liked to believe that he has a decent understanding of other people. Being able to read people from their movements and expressions was a tiny ounce of pride. But since stepping foot on this planet, he's constantly felt this skill depleting.
Or maybe he never had it to begin with. Perhaps it was just another lie he told to himself.
"Man, I'm just trying to get new clothes..." Korlin does a backwards somersault into a straightened stand. "It's too early for Sirius to be hearing philosophical teachings."
"For me? I think you're just bored."
"...Perhaps."
Taking a look at his companion, Sirius notices details his tired mind couldn't previously.
"...Were your eyes always so baggy?"
"Huh-? Oh... I think so." Korlin laughs awkwardly, folding a big grin on his face.
"Did you sleep last night?"
"Of course I did!" While faint, his words carry a hoarse ripple. "I mean, did you feel those beds?!"
"...Mm."
An uncomfortable tension holds the room. Cilas clears his weathered throat.
"If you would, shall we begin our search?"
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Sirius (with Korlin taking the lead) picks out clothes close to what he's used to, but adds in elements based on what he's gathered from Lunalir's culture. Which is easier said than done, because a lot of these choices are a bit... exotic.
Since Lunalir has a colder climate, many people wear extra layers and wrap themselves in various forms of cloth. For the base, Sirius slips on a black tunic with elbow-stretching sleeves and tiny strings lacing the front. Over-top he throws on a soft, hooded, charcoal gray jacket.
For his legs, he dons dark, loose pants that sag over his newly equipped shoes. They are a surprisingly comfortable pair of bleakly colored, leathery footwear. Their shape resembles sneakers, but the design and feel are completely foreign.
As for the Lunalir-spice, each of his clothing items has tied, black ribbons built-in to their joints. Each of his knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists have the flowing tassels. What do they have to do with keeping warm? He doesn't know. It must just be a cultural thing.
He also nabs a fur scarf that is designed to rest atop his shoulders and not drape. It is an even darker shade of gray than his jacket, and is capable of being brought over his nose as a mask. And with that, his outfit is complete.
Apparently, the simplicity and dark design complement Sirius's features very well... Or so Korlin says. But, Sirius isn't able to decide on matters like this, so he's glad Korlin took charge. He doesn't mind how he looks.
Cilas mentions that he took their previous clothing to be washed. Apparently, the backyard is home to water tanks and various drying racks. It seems like an old-fashioned way of living for this huge mansion, but it makes sense. There is no modern technology in this world. Still, he expected some sort of magic or something.
Sirius had always wondered what life would be like without technology. And now that it's right in front of him... It doesn't register right. Am I really that indifferent to everything?
...
After picking out their new, somewhat dusty clothes, the two boys begin their advance towards the front yard. On their way, Sirius can't help but stare at his companion's choice of clothing.
Compared to him, Korlin got a little more unique with his fashion choices. Apart from his shoes, everything else is molded to fit the "stereotypical adventurer" style.
Worn, gray pants anchor at his ankles, and an overly long-fitted tunic is tied at his waist by a belt wrapped into a knot. An unhooded cloak hugs his neck and shoulders, draping down to his lower back. The only thing missing is a sword at his hip, but other than that, he looks like he could go fight some goblins.
"Are you really going to stick with that outfit? Not judging or anything, just wondering."
He is indeed silently judging him.
"What? I look epic, don't I?"
"Epic...?"
"I look like an adventurer, right? Off to slay the demon king!" He poses on a nearby rock, a blinding gleam of pride in his eyes. "Or something!"
"Is that another one of your fantasies?"
"Call them what you will..."
"I feel like you need a bow and a quiver on your back. Or maybe a shield and headband to really sell the whole swordsman vibe."
"I agree with the headband, but I'd rather be a mage than a swordsman. Casting spells and whatnot."
"Then you should have dressed like one. Get a long robe and oversized hat like a wizard."
"You sure are quite vocal for someone who needed me to pick out all their clothes."
"Ouch."
"I'm just messing with ya. Unfortunately," he sighs. "I'm not an old wise man, so I couldn't pull it off... yet. Besides, I think I look quite dapper, don't you?" He does a little twirl and falls flat on his back.
"Yeah, the floor looks lovely on you. Come on." Lifting Korlin up, he suppresses a chuckle. They continue through the lavish garden in search of a fiery little girl.
"Be honest," Korlin says.
"About?"
"Your clothes! Do you like them? You just sort of agreed with everything I picked out. Are you actually happy with it?"
"Yeah, I like it. I have very low standards for things, so I'm fine with whatever."
"Are you saying I'm someone you have low expectations for??" He clutches his heart.
"Not what I meant!" Sirius nudges the boy. "I just don't have it in me to decide on things anymore. I told you, no? I'm not a very decisive person."
"Why is that?" Korlin asks earnestly.
"..." Sirius lowers his gaze. "I'm not sure."
"I've been meaning to ask... I've pieced together some of the picture, but... What was your life like before coming here? Before dying?"
...
...
"...Well-" Sirius's thoughts throw him back into his old life. Into that suffocating emptiness. Into the pressure of the act. Into those shallow shells of old relationships. Those walking regrets. Those dreams left undreamt... "-It's nothing interesting. What is this an interview?" He attempts to make light of the situation.
...
Sirius tries to keep walking toward the courtyard, but is stopped at the shoulder.
"No, no, no, no, no you get back here!"
"Huh?"
"Geeeeezzzzzz..." Korlin sighs histrionically. "You're one of those people, huh?"
"One of those people?" Sirius prepares to listen to nonsense.
"Yeah. One of those people who hide their true emotions and change the subject instead of embracing their moment of weakness."
-...
"..."
"Man, I HATE when characters do that..."
"What am I, an anime character??" Sirius continues on his way, dragging Korlin along.
"Actually... If anything, I'm the anime character and you're a side character. Which, I suppose, does make you an anime character, just not a main one. But then again, you have almost as much screen time as me, which might technically make you a..."
...
Perfectly maintained flowerbeds and fruit trees decorate the vast yard. A cloudless blue expands above, spreading its vigor across the land. Among Alzir's notes was the idea that Lunalir's temperature is lower compared to most countries. Being on the southern end of the planet, Lunalir's temperature surprisingly sits at a reliable, almost-warm with a cool breeze. It's almost perfect, but brings up the question of how plant life thrives.
It just so happened to be boiling hot when he first arrived. Or maybe it just felt that way...
Floral scents fill the air. If one were allergic, it would probably be fatal.
Speaking of which...
Korlin sneezes violently, snot shooting out his nostrils. He groans and tumbles onto Sirius's back.
"Sirius... I can't take it..."
"Huh? Are you allergic?? You didn't sneeze when we came through here before."
"That's because I was distracted."
"...What does that have to do with anything?"
"When I'm distracted my allergies don't act up."
"What kind of logic is that?? You're just defying nature at that point."
"Sirius-" his cry is interrupted by another sneeze. "Distract me, or I'll die..."
The boy wraps his arms over Sirius and falls limp. Sirius drags him along the stone.
"You are literally the easiest person in the world to distract. Just think about magic or something."
"Is there allergy-stopping magic? I'd like some of that..." Rogue snot plants itself onto Sirius's new clothes.
-I just got clean clothes...
Sirius sets Korlin on the edge of a flowerbed and cracks his own back.
"I'll bring you inside in a minute, just hang in there," he says, wiping off the mucus with a nearby rock.
Korlin, sat for approximately six seconds, proceeds to fall backward into the mulch, staining his new attire. Sniffles escape the fallen warrior.
-Seriously...?
"What do you think you're doing?!" A familiar voice rings out and reverberates through the garden. The voice of a short, fiery girl. "I just mulched that bed! Get out of there!"
Pholy rushes toward them, steam rising from her head.
Upon hearing her voice, Korlin basically teleports from the bed to a kneeling position beside Sirius.
"I apologize, your highness." The boy deepens his voice to sound older.
"Wh- What..." Pholy is at a loss for words. "What are you wearing...?"
"Oh? Do you find my garments attractive, your highness?"
"......." Pholy slowly turns to stare at Sirius, begging for him to give some sort of answer.
"Don't question it," Sirius replies.
"Kindel give me strength..." she sighs. "Why are you two out here?"
"For house training, miss!" Korlin springs up and strikes a salute.
"House training..." She sounds like she could cry. Transparent smoke rises from her head. "Look," she rubs her eyes. "I'm just the gardener, alright? I don't do household chores and all that. If you want to know about those, ask Cinth or Cilas."
"Cilas directed us to you..."
"Rrrr, why that sly little... Okay, okay, I'm going to keep it straight with you two. I'm here to water plants and get paid. I don't want to waste my time babysitting and teaching you how to fold laundry."
"Come on, taking care of some plants can't take that long. Besides, you live here, don't you? What else do you have to do?"
"I have a life outside of this..."
"Oh reallllly? Like what?"
"Aeu- uh," she's unraveling at the seams. Not a single cell of hers was prepared for that retort. Steam plumes from her ears as her eyes look for nonexistent salvation. "You know... Spending money..."
"I knew it!"
"Shut up!"
"Didn't anyone ever teach you not to waste money all the time?" he sighs. "Who would have thought you were a spoiled florist tsundere loli..."
...
"WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!"
It's as if a fuse lit and is slowly burning to her last grasp of sanity. Her golden hair rises along with the steam, the ends lit with pink flames.
"This is not safe for the plants! Why are you a gardener if you can light yourself on fire?!"
"I LIKE PLANTS!"
....
...
The flaming girl sizzles out, and her body engulfs in pink embers. Her breath heavy, she brushes off her smoke-stained clothes.
Korlin dons a wonder-struck look on his face. A flame other than hers blazes in his eyes.
"You're so cool..."
"In any case," she sighs and swallows hard. "You both should go inside and consult Cinth. Though I doubt she'll be thrilled to see you either. She can teach you some of the basics."
"Question!" Korlin raises his hand as if in a classroom.
"..."
Her fed-up expression needs no words.
"Can you teach us how to read and write?"
...
...
Her mouth gapes open and her eyebrows contort inwards as if she's just heard the saddest thing imaginable.
"Y-You can't read?? Or write...? Seriously?"
With the utmost confidence, the boy responds with his chest held high.
"Seriously."
"Kindel give me strength..." She rubs her eyes in both frustration and disbelief. "You're both Witch Spawn, yes? I guess that checks out..." she groans. "Alright, fine! If! And I mean if I have time, I can help teach you some things, but no promises."
Korlin gets down on one knee, in a knightly position, and gracefully grabs her slender hand.
"Thank you, your majesty."
His charade leads him to receiving a backhanded slap to the cheek.
"Leave."
Holding his cheek, with an overly joyous look on his face, the boy shuffles in the direction of the manor. His allergies have completely abandoned him, replacing themselves with nothing but tranquility and enlightenment.
"Sorry about that," Sirius bows politely. He can't help but feel bad for her, even though he finds enjoyment in their banter.
He rushes after the bliss-ridden boy, leaving the fiery florist by herself.
As she watches them depart, a faint grin creeps onto her gentle face.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
It takes the pair approximately half an hour to get to Hyacinth's door. Not because they forget where it was, but because someone kept running off.
Sirius knocks on the door, holding a finger to Korlin's face.
"What?" a muffled voice says beyond the wall.
"May we come in?"
"...If you want."
-Well now I feel like I'm intruding...
Sirius glances at Korlin, who gives him a hearty thumbs-up. Slowly pushing open the door, a room almost an exact replica of his own sprawls out before him. Apart from a notable number of books, some differently placed plants, and rearranged furniture, the fancy room remains the same.
The girl, Hyacinth, sits at her paper-cluttered desk reading an ancient-looking tome.
"What is it?" The girl asks bleakly, her voice soft. Her eyes are fixated on the text; apart from her question, it's impossible to tell if she noticed someone enter.
"What are you reading?" the amber-eyed boy replies. He doesn't want to just straight-up tell her to 'come teach us how to do our new jobs.'
"Does it matter?" Her glacial response is setting the mood for the rest of the conversation.
"I suppose not..."
An awkward rift is torn between them, only silence filling the void. She has no desire to commute with the boy.
-How am I supposed to talk to her??
"Uh," stumbling on his own words, thinking of how to best portray himself, he ends up on words of gratitude. "Thank you, for earlier."
"..."
"Without you, I would probably be out in the streets with nowhere to stay. So, thank you."
"Rawlin wouldn't let you leave even if you wanted to. He was just testing you."
-Wouldn't let me leave...?
"What do you mean?"
"He's been searching for Witch Spawns for months now. Even if you ran away, he'd track you down and bring you right back."
"..."
"In other words... Whether you like it or not... You're trapped here." She closes her hefty book and sets it down on the desk. "That's just the kind of man he is."
Dread tickles the back of his mind, threatening to take over at any moment. Trapped? Why does he want us here? What's he going to do to us? These swelling thoughts almost spill out into words, but he suppresses the urge to voice these concerns.
"I see..." He taps nervously on the door frame. "Do you, perchance, know why-"
"I don't. If you want to know, you'll have to ask him yourself." She sighs and gets out of her seat. "Alright, let's get started."
-So she does know why we're here...
She walks past Sirius, who politely opens the door for her. Wavy, shoulder-length, violet hair lightly bounces as she steps, almost in a childish way. In contrast, her expression is dull and lifeless. She's very pretty, but in a reserved, monotone fashion.
Without a word, he begins following the gelid girl.
Following the two, Korlin runs up from behind and leaps onto Sirius's shoulders. Sirius stumbles around, almost falling flat on his face. Barely able to stand, Sirius adjusts himself upright with the boy on his traps.
-I thought my neck was going to snap...
"Sorry about that. You alright?"
"Y-yeah."
Korlin pats Sirius on the cheeks and points forward.
"Onwards!"
"What am I, a horse?"
"Neigh. You are a steed."
"...That might've been the worst-"
They trot a fair distance before their jolly journey ends at the biggest linen closet they've ever seen. It's like a vending machine for cleaning supplies and tools.
"Here is your equipment. Try not to break it."
Her voice reminds him of a depressed tour guide he had a couple of years ago on a school trip.
"Right..."
Without a second to lose, she starts walking off to the next location.
She stops at one of the many bathrooms.
"In here, clean everything if it needs to be."
"Does anyone even use this bathroom?" Korlin asks.
"No."
"..."
She begins towards their next stop.
In the main foyer, she motions them toward the staircase's railing.
"Once in a while, dust it. Along with other shelves and tables."
"..."
She takes them to a few more spots and briefly describes what to do.
Mirrors? Wipe them down. Crumbs on the floor? Sweep them up. Trash getting full? Take it outside.
The whole experience is oddly underwhelming. The simple explanation of basic chores leaves both boys with dragging boredom.
"Question," Korlin proposes.
"..."
"What do you do around here? Are you a maid?"
"Never in your dreams."
"Then...?"
"I run errands. Occasionally."
"..."
"..."
"That's all?"
"Basically."
"..." Korlin gives Sirius an exaggerated grimace.
The final stop on the five-star tour is in front of a door with a massive lock on the handle. A foreboding and ominous air exhausts out the door; something important must be locked inside.
"And here is Rawlin's room. You can clean the lock or something."
"Can we go in?" Korlin queries. "I want to see if he has a wardrobe of blindfolds."
"Not a chance. Entry is forbidden to everyone except himself."
"Aw, come on... Who even is this guy??" he basks in annoyance.
"Who knows..."
She begins her advance to somewhere else.
"So..." Sirius changes the subject. "How did you end up here? How'd you meet the lord?"
"That's none of your concern."
"...Ah."
Disappointment is a word that comes to mind. But surprise is not, he expected such an answer.
"So now what?" Korlin tries to liven things up.
"We're done. That was all. You can go clean if you want. Not that you really need to."
"Do I get paid if I do?"
"Why would I know?"
"How often do you get paid?"
"Once a week."
"How often do you run these... errands?"
"Once every two months or so."
"...Huh." The boy is unsatisfied with her answers. "What's your relationship with Pholy?"
"Husband. Are you done talking yet?"
Sirius pats his sulking companion on the back. She isn't nearly as entertaining to him as Pholy is. Her deadpan voice and expressions completely contrast Korlin's upbeat and childlike personality.
Awkward silence practically echoes through the halls. The two boys continue following the girl for no particular reason.
"Oh, right," Sirius begins, shattering the cumbersome vibe. "Would you be willing to teach us reading and writing?"
"No."
"You like reading books, right?" His question actually grabs her attention. "Do you have a dictionary or any easy-to-read ones? Anything would be helpful."
She continues walking down the hall, lightly bouncing, as is her style of movement. After pondering a moment, she gives her response.
"Follow me."
Sirius grins with gratitude, not that she sees it.
Entering back into her room, Korlin immediately does a somersault for no particular reason. Sirius feels a little embarrassed. Hyacinth responds to his stunt with a brief, dumbfounded stare.
Shaking off Korlin's shenanigans, she approaches her massive wall of books. Each and every one is neatly organized on the shelves, which do not hold a single speck of dust.
Hyacinth scans through the shelves and lands on a thick, green book.
As if an echo of before, the book is just outside of her reach. She hops up and down, trying to grab its spine. Her quiet frustration is amusing to watch.
Sirius instinctively goes in for a redo, hoping for a better response than last time.
He walks up, and she once again halts her bunny hops. Once again, he notices how she isn't much shorter than him. Sirius gets on the tips of his toes and barely wraps his fingertips on the book. He slides it out of its space on the shelf.
She looks embarrassed with a slight hint of irritation. Nothing like the revulsion of her last response.
-Progress!
A shallow amount of pride swells up in Sirius, but it quickly fades.
"...Thanks. You can use that. Have Wilphrey help you out, he's good at teaching."
"Oh, yeah..." He doesn't know what he was expecting her to say, but it wasn't that. "Thank you."
"Mm." She goes over and falls back into her chair. She picks up her book from earlier and searches for the page she left on.
Without a word, she leaves the boys with the singular option of leaving the room.
It's time for studying.
Thud
The thick book slams onto the desk and sweeps dust out from under it. Korlin sneezes.
"Are you allergic to dust?"
"I'm allergic to dictionaries."
"Ah, of course. My bad."
Sirius opens the weathered book; its pages are cold. Immediately upon peering inside, the learning curve is both apparent and daunting. Symbols and characters are inked onto the page in a downward slope from left to right.
Certain characters repeat themselves multiple times throughout the front page. It appears this language will have a letter system with something akin to an alphabet. That gives him a vague sense of relief, as the thought of learning a certain number of characters is much more manageable than if it were something along the lines of kanji or hieroglyphs.
Still, as he is now, this is all gibberish. Complete and utter nonsense.
"Damn," Korlin whispers in awe and intimation. "I've always wanted to learn a new language..."
"Why didn't you?"
"Too much work."
"..."
"Also, a lack of need and motivation. But this looks so awesome!"
"It does..."
"That's it," Korlin breathes out slowly. "I'm going to give this everything I've got! I'm going to learn this like nobody has ever learned before... Will you join me?" He is deepening his voice to try and sound cool.
"Sure... Though I probably won't have as much motivation as you."
Korlin is smoldering, majestically looking out the window. "...That's quite alright, child."
"...Do you want to start?"
"...As you wish."
"...Right..."
Korlin frantically scours the room and grabs writing materials. He sits down at the desk and smiles stupidly at the page, an inkclaw ready in his hand. His eyes dart around the paper. He blinks repeatedly. Then, he stares into the unknown void that is the book.
"I don't get!"
"We need a reference of some sort..."
"I doubt they have Witch Spawn translations in this world."
"You're probably right..."
The two try to decipher and continue making baseless assumptions on foreign letters. Connecting words with similar lengths to those on the pages... None of them are correct.
"Auegghhhhh," Korlin moans. "We're getting nowhere!"
"I just realized something..."
"Did you crack it?!" His waning mood rises instantaneously.
"Uh, no..." Sirius scratches his neck. "The opposite, actually."
"Pardon?" It drops just as fast.
"You're speaking the language you did on Earth, right?"
"Yes...?"
"...And the Timekeeper gave us those gummies that let us speak and understand this language..."
"Yes..." It takes a second to kick in. "Oh my god... We're not actually speaking an Earth language right now, are we?"
"Mm."
"Now that you mention it... Your mouth doesn't fit with the words you're saying."
"Really? Say something."
"Uh... Oh!" he clears his throat and equips a narrator voice. "In the Age of Ancients the world was unformed, shrouded by fog. A land of gray crags, Archtrees and Everlasting Dragons..."
Sirius observes the boy's mouth as he speaks. It's true. The way his lips move does not match the words he's speaking.
"You're right..."
"...But then there was Fire! And with fire came disparity. Heat and cold, life and death, and of course-! Light and dark... Then, from the dark-"
"Ok, ok! You can stop!"
"Hehe, sorry. Anyway, so, we're saying this is pointless to try and understand...?" He takes in a nice, long breath and lets it all out. "I give up."
"What happened to learning like nobody has ever learned before?"
"This is beyond my abilities. A shut-in like me has no chance of learning a new language. I was a fool to believe that after years of neglecting education I would be able to learn."
-That's a bit dramatic...
knock knock
"Pardon me."
The door to Korlin's room opens, revealing an aged gentleman with snow-white hair thrown in a perfect bun.
"Wilphrey!" Korlin's fallen spirit instantly ascends at the sight of the man. "Can you teach me magic, please?"
"Blunt as ever... I heard you were learning something far more important, no? I've come to assist in your education."
Korlin drags his feet over to his bed and collapses. He sulks.
"You heard from someone?" Sirius asks.
"Yes, Miss Hyacinth informed me. She requested I aid you."
-She did?
Sirius releases a pleasing smile. Something about her helping makes him feel fuzzy.
"Well, thank you. I look forward to your help."
"Me too," Korlin mentions, his face stuffed in bedsheets.
Wilphrey smiles warmly, wrinkles forming at his eyes. "But first, Lord Rawlin would like to see you in his study."
"The lord? That's right, he wanted to see us..."
Korlin hops off his bed and plants his arm on Sirius. "What do you think it's about?" he asks, a mixture of excitement and curiosity.
"Don't know..."
Sirius's shoulders tense, preparing for the ensuing encounter.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Wilphrey guides the pair to a dual set of doors.
"I shall await your return. Please, do exercise your manners."
"We will," Sirius assures the stoic man.
"Why do I feel like he was talking directly to me?" Korlin whispers.
Ignoring the question with a painfully obvious answer, Sirius pulls open the doors to the study.
-Woah.
It's marvelous. Bookshelves reach to the sprawling ceiling, enclosing the space in an elegant display of literature. The scent of paper swarms the nostrils, so much so that you can taste it. A decorous display of hanging lights acts as a beacon in the room, giving everything a golden glow. The room is triple the size of any other on the second floor.
"This is a study, right?" Korlin asks with his jaw on the floor.
"Uh-huh..."
"You could raise sixteen children in this place."
"???"
The columns of books are the result of three similar layers stacked onto one another. Each layer has its own horizontally rolling ladder with wooden wheels that glide along the spaces between shelves.
Behind the dangling chandelier, a figure emerges by sliding along the wall, holding onto the ladder with one hand. How he does it while blindfolded is beyond reason.
"Ah, welcome friends!"
The lord shoves a text in his teeth and drops down from his second-story ladder, using the friction of the wall to smooth his descent.
"Show off," Korlin is undoubtedly impressed.
"I take it you both are accustomed by now?"
"I wouldn't say accustomed," Sirius starts. "But I think we've gotten the gist of life here."
As the words spill off his tongue, seeing this room, it sinks in how different this all is from his old life. Living in a grand mansion such as this is a complete turnaround from his mundane days in those cramped homes. Not to say his parents' homes were small, but they sure felt suffocating. Here, there is an overwhelming amount of space to breathe and get away. Almost too much. He feels... light.
"That's wonderful." Rawlin sets down his bitten book and readjusts his tiny top hat. "Apologies for yesterday, I may have come across as rather hostile. I needed simply see where your hearts lie. I wish you to think of me in goodwill."
"It's alright, I get your reasoning. Thank you again for letting us in your home." Sirius feels the need to bow, and so he does.
"Someone is quite the gentleman..." The lord pauses, analyzing Sirius. "Interesting..."
"..."
"Anyhow, I would like to discuss a matter with you both. Please follow me."
The lord leads them through the jungle of books. Most of the spines appear ancient and weathered.
"Do you read all of these?" Korlin asks, climbing up a shelf.
"Huh? Ah, no, most of these books came with the place. I can't even read half of them."
"Really?"
"Unfortunately, I am only capable of speaking two tongues. I don't have the time to learn anymore."
"Then why even have so many books? Couldn't you just sell them for more money?"
"Money is of little concern to me. Besides, this study contains accumulated knowledge spanning from as far as Blasphem and Kaarangdi. Many of these tombs trace back hundreds of thousands of years ago and while undecipherable, are key to unraveling many secrets. There are even detailed accounts from within Raenar's Domain and Esflowna's Tomb... In the country of Lunalir, this collection of books is second only to that of the royal castle."
"Oh..."
"The wisdom within these walls holds the answers to many of the mysteries I wish to uncover. These scrolls will surely assist in making my goal become reality." The lord's half-face diffuses determination.
"..." Sirius studies the man's expression.
"Which leads me... to you both." His tone hastily swaps to one of business. Rawlin grabs a seat and starts shuffling through a desk.
"To us?"
"I have been looking for humans such as yourself for some time now."
"...Why?"
-What's he planning...?
"...Have either of you heard about the Witch of Death?"
A sullen air thickens in the room. As if simply speaking her name is a bad omen.
"...Briefly. And, I believe both of us have met her."
"I thought so... and do either of you know what she does to this land?"
Sirius nudges Korlin.
"Oh, right..." Korlin clears his throat. "Wilphrey mentioned she is one of three witches. That she kills people without hesitation, and she uses the lives of those she kills to create Witch Spawns."
"...Indeed," he seems troubled. Swallowing hardly, he begins speaking words that seem to pain him. "Fields shrivel up overnight, newborn children aren't living as long, the health of the elderly is withering... All of these factors derive from the Witch."
"..."
"Our planet is dying. Night after night, more death ravages the world... And the Witch of Death is seen as the villain of it all."
"Is that really true? When we met her, she was really sweet! And pretty!"
"..." Behind the blindfold is a face only describable as... sentimental. "Regardless of its accuracy, the fact remains that the Witch is a threat to the well-being of people across not just Lunalir, but the entire world."
"..."
"So, with Aureole a candidate for the throne, if her party were to bring down the Witch of Death..." Rawlin awaits a realization.
"She would win no matter what," Sirius declares.
"Exactly. I plan to track down the witch and put an end to her tyrannical rule over life."
"..."
-So that's his game...
"I can only pray she doesn't take mine beforehand."
"So, what do you want from us?" Sirius questions.
"Most people fear the witch so much that they can't even think of making a move. World leaders throughout Mirgaia, and even nobles of Lunalir, who once spoke of and got elected from talks of tracking her down, refuse to pursue the witch. As a result, the world stands stagnant. Slowly, we all wait for our inevitable demise."
"..."
"But with a Witch Spawn, one closely related to her, they wouldn't back down from fear of their creator... Surely, you wish to find her too, no?"
"...Why would we-?"
"Isn't there something you want to get back? Something she took from you?"
"What..." The problem he's been subconsciously ignoring reenters his mind. "Our memories..."
"..." The lord nods.
"Are you saying if we find her..."
"You can keep your memories."
-...Oh.
"..."
Korlin is quiet. Whenever memories are brought up, he withdraws from the conversation.
"So. What do you say? Will you join me on this witch hunt? To put an end to the needless death that plagues this planet? With the witch gone, surely even the prejudice against your kind will dwindle away."
"..."
-Why am I...
"You could live without being discriminated against, and you can be a part of the party that took down the wretched witch. You could live like a noble. Fame, wealth, power... And surely Aureole would take further interest in you."
"..."
-...so disappointed?
"So? What of you? Will you keep your memories? Or will you have them waste away, until you are nothing more than a shell?"
"...I..."
"Don't you want to keep your memories?"
...
...
"...I... don't know..."
"..."
"..."
"I see..." His tone softens, but not in a comforting manner. "I realize this may be a bit much to dump on you all at once. I don't wish to pressure you into a decision. You may take your time and make your choice... I will continue my research on my own."
"Right..."
Sirius is conflicted. More so than he's ever felt before.
-Do I... want to keep my memories?
The question bangs around in his mind. He doesn't know.
Everything else the lord mentioned is voided in his mind. Fame, wealth, power? He couldn't care less. His focus is fixed on the promise of memories.
"Until you make your decision, have Wilphrey teach you the local language."
"Right..."
"But just know..." His hands fold together. "There is no going back to your old world. This is where your life lies now. You will not return, so if you wish to know anything of that place, you will need to keep your memories. Do not think stagnation has no consequence in this matter."
"Mm..." Sirius ponders. Lifting his eyes, he lands on Rawlin's charismatic smile. This man is offering a lot, and yet he can't decide if it's a good thing. Sirius's relationship to memories... has always been messy. "Thank you."
Bowing, Sirius turns and heads toward the exit. He doesn't bother waiting for a response. Korlin follows without a word.
-What if his words are lies? What if they're real? Things are happening far too quickly, could this really all be a coincidence? What if it is? What if this is kindness? What if I'm acting out of line? What if I'm being disrespectful?
What if... I can get my memories back?
...Would I be happy?
....
-I don't know what to do...