The sound of gentle, melodic chirping fills the crisp morning air. Standing near the colorful entrance sign of a hostel, M leans against it with her left foot and hands within the pouch of her hoodie. The sudden rush of air could not take the hood off her ears, but it coincidentally seemed to bring in a man speed-walking his way towards M. His cloak does not take the wind as kindly.
"Good morning to you, Vex. I hope that you are well rested for the day ahead."
"Eh, could be better, could be worse. I had to remove myself from prying eyes using a bathroom excuse, so let's just get this over with pronto."
"Do you have someone to return to in a hurry? I would hate to inconvenience you and that person."
"Nope, not at all. I only told her that I was going to the bathroom, I never said when I would come back."
Soft chuckling seeps from M's mask. Though her face remained unchanged to outside observers, her body moved as though it became lighter.
"You are certainly profound at manipulating words. That is quite the remarkable talent, albeit slightly underhanded."
"If the world screws you over, it's justifiable to screw it back. I mean, I can tell that you think so too."
"Oh, is that what you suppose? How so, if I may ask?"
"Well for starters, you are obviously hiding your identity for some 'underhanded' purpose. I wear this cloak and an eye mask to do what some may consider 'dirty work', for instance."
"...your way of thinking and perception of the world is rather unique. However…I must admit that there is some truth to it that I can understand. After all, I am a demi-human…"
"..."
Reading the air and aptly adjusting its approach, a breeze of wind–quietly–blows by, filling the brief empty space of nothingness.
"Anyway, shall we get going? I will discuss the details along the way."
"Right beside you."
Walking side-by-side, the two leisurely travel through the plaza as they silently observe the surrounding festivities occurring simultaneously. Of course, Vex and M were strolling with a purpose, but to the casual observer, they did not stand out in any noticeable way.
Although various activities are taking place, even at such an early time in the morning, most people are spending their time within the bodies of water–if not close by it.
"Looks like there are a lot more water-based activities today. Gives off the feeling of a massive pool party at a water park."
"During this day of the Pristine Festival, people choose to abide in the waters of the river in order to spiritually cleanse themselves."
"A ritual, huh…as if that'd work. Amounts to nothing."
M comes to a complete stop. It was so sudden that she appeared to be affected by a spell or a curse–indeed, she was. The curse in question was none other than the scoff that infiltrated her ears.
"Vex, you must not say such belittling words about this activity. The believers put all of their soul into it, so it holds great significance. Besides that, if someone were to hear you, then you could end up making yourself the enemy of hundreds of people in a short period of time. That is rather unwise."
"...I'll try keeping that in mind."
"Thank you. Please, let's continue forward–both physically and if you would like, conversationally."
"Is it safe to assume that Zateon also holds this event in such high regard? Therefore, he plans to get cleansed himself with everyone else, thus giving us the opportunity to catch him."
"Close. Apostle Zateon helps facilitate the various festivities and rituals, but most of the workload is delegated to the elders. There is a particular section that the apostle always tends to, though by the time we get there, he still might not be easily accessible. Even though I am more than confident that we will reach him today, I cannot assure that it will be straight forward. After all, Apostle Zateon is always a busy man on the move.--his mind more so than his body."
"In other words, he is always scheming."
"You can put it that way, if that is where your mind leads you."
"My mind, you say? Funny how you mention that–"
DA-DA-DA-dadadada-DA! DA-DU-DA-DU–
The resounding power of trumpets and brass instruments flare an epic fanfare with such intensity, everyone under its sound involuntary perked up. Even the expressionless M could not resist her canine ears shooting straight upwards, as though they were forming exclamation points.
"The band is playing already? Sheesh, not even a soft tune to ease our ears…"
"Vex, that is no ordinary music; we must hurry towards the main stage at once!"
___________________________________________________________
Spread across the arena, thousands upon thousands scramble to secure a seat to claim as their own, or at least a spot to stand on. An uproar of cheers fluctuates every single minute since the initial brass fanfare; the energy is so contagious that finding a single person sitting still would make one a potential gambling prodigy. Attempting to dilute the energy levels to a more manageable level, Elder Ruth makes her entrance on stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my brothers and sisters, the moment of anticipation has come at last! He needs no introduction, so without further ado, please welcome Apostle Zateon!"
Coming from behind the stage curtain not a second delayed, Zateon makes his grand appearance in front of the masses. Dressed in his signature black and crimson robe, he waves his hands to greet the sea of people applauding him. All the while, with a gentle smile.
"Thank you, thank you all for your warm welcome. In return, I would like to thank each and every one of you for attending this year's Pristine Festival, for there would be no one with whom to celebrate without you all."
A naturally anticipated thunderous applause rumbled through the arena, even causing the stage that Zateon stands on to vibrate. Though all of that comes to a graceful end with one silent wave of his hand.
"However, we must not forget that mere mortals like you and me are not the primary ones to express gratitude towards. Please, let's exalt our dear goddess. From the depths of our hearts and souls, we thank you, goddess!"
Zateon lifts his head towards the sky, many others in the crowd follow suit, expressing their various heartfelt gratitude. The people were truly on one accord.
"Now that that has been properly taken care of, let's commence the second day of festivities promptly. As you all know, last night I streamed a special broadcast, reminding us all of the true purpose of this festival that we should earnestly strive to achieve. Even though it is only almost noon, I have witnessed several of you already taking the initiative to cleanse yourselves in the waters of the river–some are still doing it as I speak. My hope is that sometime today, each and every one of you take the plunge and start fresh for the rest of the year. But with that being said…"
With a squint of his eyes, Zateon scans the crowd carefully–not missing a single corner.
"Oh my, I see an outstanding proportion of demi-humans in the audience of all kinds and ages! Remind me, what is it that you all desire?"
"Redemption!"
"And redemption, you shall receive. Though I am sure all of you have noticed that we are missing our special guest, correct?"
The audience's emotional yelling and cheering brings a sparkling gleam, a twinkle within Zateon's eyes.
"Emma, please bring forth our esteemed guest, our fellow redeemed sister, Lily!"
Emma walks alongside Lily from behind the curtain, gradually making their way to the front of the stage where Zateon awaits them. Once they get to the front, they bow their heads, Lily's slightly delayed due to attempting to mimic Emma's example. Zateon points an open hand towards them proudly.
"Standing before you all are two demi-humans who have realized the gravity of their vicious nature and have taken the initiative to seek redemption. Not just merely washing themselves within the pristine waters, but they sought the one who was bestowed with the power to cleanse the beast dwelling in their hearts. With this young girl in particular, everyone of you no matter how young or old should feel hope for a greater change. So, my demi-human family, are you ready to start anew, to show the world your freedom from the prison within you, just as Lily has done?"
Deafening screaming fills the air.
"This very stage that I am standing on is now an altar. Elders, please assist with managing a single file line so that I can meet every single individual personally. Even if this takes all day, I will not leave until every demi-human who desires this change receives it. That's right–Every. Single. One."
The audience, at the peak of their emotional outburst, organizes themselves into a line that extends a great distance beyond the immediate arena that holds the main event. It is quite chaotic, dangerously so…yet everyone gradually becomes more organized without a single altercation.
________________________________________________________
Crap, everyone is moving fast–much faster than I anticipated! At this rate, we'll end up pinned to this section and…no, we can't let this happen!
"M!"
"Yes, now is our opportunity–we must get in line at once!"
"?!"
Before they could even take a complete step, right as their right foot left the ground, a swarm of bodies bumped into the duo, pushing them further and further behind the front of the line–the new line that did not exist half a second ago.
"Hey, watch it! There's no need to behave like savages–"
Shove!
Despite Vex's reprimanding, despite doing his best to hold his ground, he and M continued to get pushed further back–Zateon becoming further out of sight. Whether Vex truly existed or not did not matter to anyone else in the moment–his ghost form would've had a similar impact.
"Vex, I appreciate your attempt, but I am afraid that it is impossible to reason with them. They are too focused on–!"
A sudden bump that targeted M's backside completely throws off her incredible balance; even though the culprit was a young lass no taller than her waistline, it was forceful enough to catch M off guard. Time seems to slow down to a crawl for her as she gradually falls towards the pavement at an accelerating speed.
"Damn it!"
Just before M's head could smack onto the ground, Vex, forsaking defense and passivity, shoves his nearby "obstacles" with pent-up force and dives horizontally towards her landing. With M successfully saved from an impending tragedy, Vex picks up her body with all of his strength–carrying her in his arms. The only "damage", if one were to call it that, is M's slightly askew mask due to the force afflicted on her; gathering her senses once more, M readjusts it properly.
"...thank you for that. I can stand on my own now–"
"Sure you can–after we retreat further back. The line is only growing exponentially, and we have yet to even move forward for the chance to enter it!"
With her mask facing Zateon, who is the size of a speck in the distance now, M reaches out her hand weakly, reeling it back to her side before she could fully extend it.
"Let's…regather ourselves as you advise."
"Hold on tightly."
Vex strengthens his grip on M's sleek body, foregoing giving her the chance to fully brace herself. With a forceful turning around of his body, he braces himself against the horde. Exhaling deeply…
3
2
1
Swoosh!
Man, there are way too many demis clouding my vision! I really need to stop and look for where to go, but if I don't keep moving–!
A couple of small kids whizz by, nearly colluding with Vex. It is quite convenient that his body acted before his mind could catch up.
"Try moving diagonally along the patterned tiles–I think it will be our best guide away from this hoard."
"Got it!"
Using the aquamarine tiles as his guide, Vex runs along them with controlled speed, but also a bit aggressively as if he were forcing his existence to be respected–or at least acknowledged.
"Looks like the congestion is getting thinner and thinner, especially compared to the unholy size up there."
"Yes, we should be out of their way soon; please keep going."
"Out of their way? Quite the opposite, actually. In fact, I–"
"Careful, look out! Someone is–!"
"?!"
I won't be able to dodge in time! Instead of bringing both of us down–
Vex tosses M upwards, allowing her to land on her own feet gracefully…himself not so much. As his momentum carries him forward towards the person who blindsided him…
Thud!
A loose strand of crimson hair falls slowly onto the ground, landing on Vex's cloak.
"Good heavens! Lady Endori, are you–"
"Please halt, Lord Waltine. I recognize that familiar touch from anywhere! It's you, isn't it?"
"Lady–"
"Wrong, try again!"
"...Endori."
"Before you speak any further on your own accord, there are three questions I require you to answer: Where have you been, why did you deceive me, and who is this demi-human that you were carrying so tenderly? First Lily, then Flenn, and now this woman?"
What I'd like to know is how come I'm the only one who ended up falling? Whatever, I better come up with something quickly as I pick myself up…
Got it.
"I went to the bathroom like I told you, there was no deception, and this person is just someone I am cooperating with privately."
"There is no need for anyone else to aid you. You have Lord Waltine here, and above all, me. I even ordered Serine to babysit Waltine's brother and his friend so that it could be us, focusing on enjoying this festival and–"
"Pardon my interruption, Lady Endori. My name is M, and what Vex said is true. To be more specific, he and I have agreed to help each other meet Apostle Zateon. I am the one who requested him since I am in need of assistance, so please let me receive any frustration on his behalf. Although we are pressed for time, I welcome any assistance that you can provide to help us achieve our goal expeditiously."
Following up her humble request, M bows respectively. Endori's mouth hangs open, completely disarming her frustration. Though her eyes move up and down, still shaping up M.
Vex flashes a quick wink, ensuring that he does so as Endori blinks.
Thanks, M. I couldn't be bothered to waste my breath explaining. Now that I think about it, I could really use someone like her as my spokesperson.
"...the both of you really want to meet Apostle Zateon more than anything, yes?"
"It is of the utmost importance. The festivities are enjoyable and very significant, though meeting the apostle is also a tradition many humans and demi-humans alike strive to do."
Endori tilts her head, looking at the distance behind M and Vex. Crossing her arms and lightly tapping her foot, she sighs.
"Right, I can see…"
"Is there anything at all that you can provide? Perhaps, if I may, even Lord Waltine?"
"Lord Waltine?"
Waltine rubs his chin in deep thought...that, or he is buying himself time to respond due to having his mind focused elsewhere.
"Only in events of dire emergencies would I ever use my authority to…um, 'skip' the line to get to Apostle Zateon. I cannot justify your request, no matter how earnest, as such an emergency. When it comes to the goddess, her members are under special authority even beyond nobles. The only thing I can promise is that I can assist with arranging a meeting with the apostle and have you two attend with me, though that will have to wait until day three at the earliest. This predicament is rather unfortunate–I yield back to Lady Endori."
"Unfortunately, there's even less that I can do. I know, how about we all just relax and enjoy the festivities? This event is a week long, so you should have plenty more opportunities to meet Apostle Zateon."
In one smooth move, Endori latches onto Vex's arm, indirectly claiming ownership of it.
"Come on, you can accompany me. I will escort you somewhere fun, but no more running away, okay?"
As she whispers in his ear, Vex repulses. Not just with a scowl on his face, but he physically yanks his body away.
"No, I am not accompanying you anywhere. The only place I am going today is up there to meet that man. That is the only reason I am attending this festival in the first place. If you can't help with that, then the next best thing you can do is nothing. To stay out of my way, simply do nothing–it's that easy."
"..."
Endori blinks her eyes in silence, her brain attempting to process the words she just heard. The more each word registers, the lower her head goes. She mumbles under her breath…a rather ominous mumble.
"Come again? Are you trying to say something to me or–"
Endori grabs Vex's hand with such high agility, he fails to react in time. She brings it up to her face…then to her lips…then…
"What in the hell are you doing?! With all due respect, I told you to stay out of the way, so let go of–"
"As long as you and I spend time together, I will be satisfied—whether you are beside me or inside me."
Endori spreads her lips open, her tongue, covered in saliva, reaches out towards his fingers.
"H-hey! I know of your noble status, but if I need to defend myself, I'll…"
"You will do what exactly?"
"Tch!"
Look at her smug grin–she knows that I can't outright cause harm towards her, even in my defense. But I can't just take this!
"Are you threatening me?"
"No, of course not. I am making an offer with you. All you have to do is tag along with me. We can go see the apostle later. Sounds good, right?"
A drip of spit slowly drips down her tongue towards the tip.
"Right?"
No, I refuse to go along with this! I will get to Zateon no matter what.
"M, your skills would be greatly appreciated right now…M?"
"Excuse me for a moment, I am unexpectedly occupied..."
"Huh?!"
Unable to move his full body, Vex turns his head at a slightly uncomfortable angle towards M. The sight he sees is one to behold; M is being thoroughly inspected by Lord Waltine himself. Her sense of personal space seemed to be nonexistent to him–not even the subtle discomfort in her voice appeared to alert Waltine.
"Oh, there's no need to be so humble, Ms. M. As I said, your physique is marvelous and your prowess unmatched. You would be head of all my servants in no time at all–I insist!"
"Lord Waltine, this would be the third time that I have had to respectively decline your offer. If it is not too much to ask, I ask you to please return the favor and–!"
"I know your type, you don't think that you are worthy to serve me. Nonsense, I know potential when I see it! You will come to change your mind when you meet my best servants–I guarantee!"
Before M could even open her mouth to execute her next polite–or not quite as "polite"--rebuttal, Waltine forcibly grabs her arm, dragging her away as though she were a toddler.
"M! You have to pull yourself away from him; we can deal with the consequences later!"
"Who cares about them? That has nothing to do with me and you, Vex! We are going this way. Remember to behave properly–I am keeping your fingers inches away from my lips!"
"Damn it! Damn it all!"
M and I are being pulled away in opposing directions–neither one of us are heading towards Zateon. I am too close to settle down in defeat; if I can't get past this stupid obstacle, then ultimately I'll never reach my true goal.
No matter what, I must summon the goddess!
I must be free from my curse!
Splish
A few droplets of water sprinkle onto Vex's face. Instinctively, he turns towards the source of the water–the river flowing underneath the translucent bridge. Without any further hesitation, he fills his lungs to their maximum capacity.
Whatever it takes!
"PERLINA!"