This time it was different. Heka felt easy. As all of the grief sucked into his life, it had vanished.
Then, Waylinn began, his voice low and somber. "When Lucifer was expelled from the sky, he vented his anger in the Immortal realm. All the immortals were severely struck by his fury and he destroyed the Immortal realm. The realm itself was left in ruins. Only a few immortals survived the onslaught."
He paused, his eyes distant as if recalling the horrors he had witnessed. "Then, my lord came. He witnessed the suffering and the disaster of the creatures in the Immortal realm. He saved me and others who remained."
Waylinn's gaze met Heka's, steady and sincere. "As a token of my gratitude, I pledged myself to be his servant. Many immortals were willing to serve him, to make him their king. But he refused their offers. He only chose me."
There was something that Waylinn didn't tell Heka. It was right that Marchio saved the other. After he healed them, he immediately took after the power, including Waylinn.
Heka sat in stunned silence, absorbing the depth of the story. He had never imagined that Marchio possessed such profound sympathy and compassion.
The image of a powerful being moved by the suffering of others was new to him. It stirred a growing respect within his heart.
Heka felt no regret for his decision to become Marchio's follower. The gift of two large diamonds was more than enough to ease his worries about survival. With such wealth, he could focus on his duties without fear of want.
"Don't forget about the reindeer." Waylinn reminded him with a slight smile, breaking the heavy mood.
Heka nodded, standing up with renewed determination. He gathered his things, ready to embark on the task ahead. "Don't worry, I won't forget."
He stood up. "Well, I'm going to The Animal House. At first, I will go to Westville Jewelry. I want to exchange this crystal."
As Heka prepared to leave, he felt a newfound sense of purpose. The path before him was uncertain. But with Marchio's trust and Waylinn's guidance, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"I'll accompany you." Waylinn said firmly, rising from his seat with a determined look in his eyes.
Heka glanced at him and then at the strange clothes Waylinn wore. The robes were elaborate and unlike anything typical in the human realm. Ornate patterns, heavy fabrics, and a strange style that immediately drew attention.
Heka frowned slightly, realizing that such attire would make Waylinn stand out too much and attract unwanted public attention.
Heka suggested kindly. "Maybe you should change your clothes. I can lend you mine."
He wanted to help, not offend, but the truth was clear: blending in was crucial.
Waylinn looked down at his robes, then back at Heka.
Heka added quickly, sensing the hesitation. "I don't mean to offend you. But, it's better to look like an ordinary human when you are in the human realm. So, you don't stand out and attract public attention."
Waylinn's expression shifted to one of mild concern. He asked quietly. "What about my tail?"
As an animal beast adopted by Marchio, a Chimera, his tail was an undeniable part of him.
With a slow motion, Waylinn peeled off his heavy robe, revealing his human form beneath. Thanks to Marchio's power, he could transform into a human.
Nevertheless, the tail remained. A constant reminded his true nature. It was impossible to hide.
Waylinn explained, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and frustration. "Although I can turn myself into a human, my tail cannot be covered. Apparently, it's so inconvenient for an animal beast like us. When I turn into a human, I still have to wear a thick robe. The human body will not be able to survive in the Immortal realm."
Heka nodded in understanding. He said with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I have a long coat to cover it."
He went to his room and returned with a long blazer made of thin material. The light one was enough not to make Waylinn hot, but long enough to conceal the tail.
Heka noticed how thick and heavy Waylinn's usual clothes were, a necessity in the freezing Immortal realm. Despite being from there, Waylinn had to adapt to the human world's different climate and customs.
"Try this." Heka said. He handed Waylinn the blazer.
As Waylinn slipped into the blazer, he looked more like an ordinary human, blending into the bustling streets without drawing curious stares.
The transformation was subtle but effective.
With the blazer on, Waylinn's appearance transformed noticeably. The neat, simple cut of the blazer was a vast improvement over the large.
Following the red robe, he had been wearing it earlier, which made him look more like a gangster than anything else.
The blazer gave him a more approachable, human appearance. It's clean, understated, and practical.
There was still one problem: Waylinn's tail remained visible, a constant reminder of his true nature. Thinking quickly, Heka grabbed a tote bag and slung it over the back of the blazer.
"Put your tail in here." Heka instructed gently.
Waylinn hesitated for a moment but then carefully tucked his tail into the tote bag, which hung comfortably behind him. The bag concealed the tail well enough to prevent unwanted attention, blending the unusual feature into something ordinary and unremarkable.
"Do you like it?" Heka asked, watching Waylinn's reaction closely.
"It's not bad. Thank you." Waylinn replied. A rare smile broke across his face.
Seeing Waylinn's smile, Heka felt a warmth spread through him. It was a small moment. But it signified something deeper, a change within himself.
He found himself happier more often, lighter in spirit. The constant weight of worry and fear that had once pressed down on him seemed to lift, replaced by a quiet comfort.
There was nothing he needed to fear anymore. Because now, there was someone who clearly protected him. No one could hurt him while Waylinn was by his side.
Even when disappointments came, they no longer crushed him. Instead, he had a place to heal every wound in his heart, a refuge where he could find strength.
He had never felt this kind of happiness before. Perhaps, it was a substitute for the sadness that had lingered since he lost his parents. This was the beginning of his new life. A life where hope and companionship could grow alongside the shadows of his past.